About The Production – Cosa Vedranno: What Will They See?

Joining us today is Director Zippie Tiffenright, the creative force behind a wild, post-apocalyptic dive into Renaissance rebirth. Their upcoming show is an original work that blends chaos, beauty and raw imagination. Let’s pull back the curtain and meet the mind behind the madness.

About Cosa Vedranno: What Will They See?

What is this Production about?

‘A post-apocalyptic Renaissance, where young artists rediscover the human condition. The maladjusted reincarnations of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and those theoried to have been The Mona Lisa, are forced to teach themselves reality, language and creation, with beautiful and terrible results.’

What character are you playing, and what can you share with us about them?

Being a director always feels like playing a role in the show; sewing together the pieces and smoothing it out- guiding the movements and words. It’s a truly beautiful experience; you get to see everything. Making sure the best and worse colours of all the characters get showcased feels so important, in order to achieve that sense of nuance necessary for this play to capture the mind and soul.

What’s challenging about bringing this script to life?

Having written the script also, choosing which parts of the writing process to remember and forget feels vital, and is challenging- what sections of the world must carry through to the stage? What can fall away? How can we still ensure the artistry comes through? We’re thinking of it like an exercise in immersion- submerging ourselves in this world and only coming up for air when it’s absolutely necessary. The venue is an art gallery, the stage feels like an arena that the audience is a part of; the nine circles of hell, hanging on the walls, are the watchers. It’s been about creating an environment for the show, through Renaissance music and sound, cloth textures, air, breath, and voices.

Why did you want to be involved in this production?

The cast have said the strong draw-point for them auditioning for the production is the artfulness of it all. The profound impact such a concept can have just in a sentence, of rediscovery, reversion, and the spark of imagination.

What sort of person is going to love this show?

Any art, drama or language nerds. It started as my Extension 2 English Major Work in high-school, so it’s infused with that desperation and motivation I had to produce something that will last beyond my HSC, and that I could continue developing. I’ve grown up in such an artsy house, revisiting the Renaissance, Vasari’s ‘Lives of The Artists’, Dante’s ‘The Divine Comedy’, artworks, paint and books everywhere; I’m so fortunate that this love for creation has been cultivated within me my whole life. Really anyone who loves creation, freshness, rebirth will love this show. And big thanks to my Italian teacher at school for helping with translations haha.

What will the audience be thinking about in the car as they drive home after this show?

Probably ‘I have to think about this for a bit’. I hope it stays with people, and that they’re able to rediscover new parts each time they recall something from the show. For me, the world of this new Florence (“Floorants” haha) becomes more complex with each passing thought, unravelling and reweaving, like it’s alive itself. I hope audiences can take away the values of the show and overall experience of learning these characters.

What’s going to surprise people about this show?

How young the cast are- they’re so raw and real, it’s like looking through glass at a painting of humanity. The characters they play are barely developed people and they make so many mistakes. Watching these young people leading themselves astray is just such an interesting observative experience, that I hope adolescents can see parts of themselves reflected in, and that adults can be provided with an insight into the developing mind.

How is this production bringing something new to this story?

Being an original work, the play is still undefined, which is thrilling! Bringing a fresh insight to the Renaissance, however, has been fascinating; modernising and mixing, through incorporations of local artist’s work on the set, and face art of natural, beautiful things, along with singing in Italian and English, really brings together the vision of reimagining the Renaissance in a destructive and uncertain world.

Call someone out by name: who must come see this production?

The Medici family: be like them, support the arts haha.

Who has the best costume?

Probably Piper- theirs has turned out really specific to Lisa. She’s embroidered patterns on Lisa’s vest like the character would, and matches the way Lisa’s so uniquely herself, uninfluenced by anyone. We’ve had a really good time making sure each costume reflects the character’s style, and merges old and new world elements.

Who in the show is most like their character?

Alex probably haha, he’s such a sweetheart in real life and we all think it comes through in the show too. Allira is also such a breath of fresh air when she’s onstage; we joke about Isla being the whimsical forest girl that brings a fresh bit of spice to the play.

Who’s the least?

Mackenzie (we hope haha), and additonally, having a woman play the teenage boy version of Leonardo da Vinci is wonderful- the insight she brings to him, while embodying his energy and undeterrable drive is wonderful to see.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Thank you for reading! We’re so excited to share this show and can’t wait for opening night (Wed 30th April, 7:30pm).

Where can patrons purchase tickets to this production?

To book tickets to ‘Cosa Vedranno: What Will They See?’, please visit https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1357578.

Show Sessions run from Wednesday 30 April 2025 to Saturday 3 May 2025 at The Show Room – Owens Collective, 101 Maitland Road, Newcastle.

Thank you so much for sharing your incredible journey with us. We can’t wait to see the magic you and your talented cast have woven together in ‘Cosa Vedranno: What Will They See?’ Break a leg, and may your show captivate every heart and mind in the audience!

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About The Production – Popera: Sex, Death & Politics

Uma Dobia

We caught up with the whirlwind behind Popera: Sex, Death & Politics to dive into a world where opera meets glitter, pop sass, and a hefty dose of feminist fire. With high notes, high drama, this cabaret gameshow turns tradition on its head.

About Popera: Sex Death and Politics

What is this Production about?

Popera: Sex, Death & Politics is an interactive cabaret gameshow that blends original pop and opera parody, all while tackling agesim and sexism in the performing arts — in silver sparkly boots and a red jumpsuit! It’s basically opera with Kath and Kim energy.

What character are you playing, and what can you share with us about them?

I play the gameshow host, a trained operatic soprano who hosts a gameshow that mixes pop and opera. But on the day of the show, her boyfriend/assistant Trevor doesn’t show up to work, and since the show must go on, she’s determined not to think about him…

What sort of person is going to love this show?

Anyone who loves pop, opera, divas — or honestly, anyone who loves a laugh! Popera has many…

What will the audience be thinking about in the car as they drive home after this show?

They’ll probably be singing “sex, death & politics! Popera! Popera!”… if you know, you know 😉

Call someone out by name: who must come see this production?

Opera singers! Opera students! Opera lovers! They’ll get every reference — or if they don’t, they’ll learn something new about the operas they love.

Who has the best costume?

Definitely me — knee-high silver, diamanted, stiletto boots, a tight red jumpsuit, a black tails jacket, a magnificent red robe, and a jaunty red circus hat?! Who could resist?

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

We’re doing an Auslan-interpreted and audio-described show (please bring your own device and headphones) on Sunday, April 13th!

Where can patrons purchase tickets to this production?

To book tickets to Popera: Sex Death and Politics, please visit https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/browse-shows/popera-sex-death-politics/.

Show Sessions run Sat 12 Apr & Sun 13 Apr: 4 pm and Sat 19 Apr & Sun 20 Apr: 4 pm at The Motley Bauhaus – Theatrette, 118 Elgin Street, Carlton.

Thank you for sharing your journey into the world of Popera with us! We can’t wait to see you dazzle in those knee-high silver boots and red jumpsuit. Best of luck with the show – it’s sure to be a night of laughter, glamour, and unforgettable tunes!

Other production interviews can be viewed here in our About The Production Series.

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About The Production – The Other Place

The Other Place

The Adelaide Repertory Theatre is getting ready to dive into the enigmatic world of “The Other Place!” and invites you to join in on the journey.

This emotionally charged theatre production tells a tale of loss amidst human complexity. During an About The Production discussion with The Rep, we discussed what to expect.

About The Other Place

What is this Production about?

“The Other Place” is a gripping and emotionally charged play that explores themes of memory, loss, and the complexities of the human mind. The narrative follows Dr Juliana Smithton, a brilliant neurologist whose life begins to unravel in unexpected ways, taking the audience on an enigmatic journey.

What’s challenging about bringing this script to life?

It is a very emotionally charged story, which makes for a very challenging production from many different perspectives involving cast and crew.

What will the audience think about in the car as they drive home after this show?

The play has many deep themes that are all relatable to the human condition in all of us.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

SPECIAL EVENT: Following each matinee performance, we are hosting an exclusive Q&A session featuring the Director, cast, and advocates from Dementia Australia. These advocates specialise in providing services and support for those living with Dementia and other cognitive health challenges.

This event offers a unique opportunity for families, friends, and colleagues of individuals with Dementia to engage, learn, and connect with experts in the field. Don’t miss this insightful and meaningful discussion.

Where can patrons purchase tickets to this production?

The Other Place runs from 24th Apr – 27th Apr and 30th Apr – 3rd May. To book tickets to The Other Place, please visit https://artstheatresa.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/142694.

Thu 24 Apr at 7:30pm (opening night)
Fri 25 Apr at 7:30pm
Sat 26 Apr at 7:30pm
Sun 27 Apr at 3:00pm (Sunday matinee)
Wed 30 Apr at 7:30pm
Thu 1 May at 7:30pm
Fri 2 May at 7:30pm
Sat 3 May at 3:00pm (Saturday matinee)

Thank you so much for sharing insight into “The Other Place.” Your dedication to exploring such poignant themes is inspiring, and we wish you all the best for the performances. Break a leg!

Other production interviews can be viewed here in our About The Production Series.

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About The Production – Cancer and Cartwheels

Dr Jo Prendergast - Cancer And Cartwheels

Today, we chatted with Dr Jo Prendergast for an About The Production chat about her show, Cancer and Cartwheels.

Cancer and Cartwheels is an inspiring, comedic solo show that takes audiences on a journey through Dr Jo’s breast cancer experiences, blending standup, musical numbers, and storytelling. With a mix of humor and heart, the show tackles everything from early cancer detection to menopause and health care inequalities—all wrapped up in a cartwheeling good time!

About Cancer and Cartwheels

What is this Production about?

Cancer and Cartwheels is an uplifting solo comedy show which celebrates my breast cancer survivorship and regaining my cartwheeling ability. I wrote the show during my cancer treatment as a way of coping and finding purpose. I take my experiences in funny, absurd directions via comedic skits and musical numbers and narrate via storytelling, standup comedy and use of images and video clips.

The show aims to entertain, and also to educate. I hope to increase awareness via comedy with messaging about early detection of cancer, menopause symptoms that are rarely talked about and living with the effects of cancer treatment. I also explore broader themes such as toxic positivity, body neutrality and health care inequality. Laugh and learn with an hilarious night of meaningful comedy.

What’s challenging about bringing this script to life?

The biggest challenge has been writing a script that finds the humour in my experiences as obviously cancer is inherently a tragic topic! With comedy about difficult topics, I think it’s essential to focus on our own personal experiences and not make generalised statements.

I use metaphors a lot in this show; after surgery I ended up with a perky B cup on the cancer side and on the other side, an age-appropriate semi flaccid D cup. I decided it was like I had a Millennial Boob and a Boomer Boob, so of course that required a skit of Generation Wars taking place in my bra! I noticed words that seemed inappropriate for cancer, such as it being ‘triple positive’; how uplifting is that!? I don’t think other illnesses get the ‘triple treatment’ – imagine if you were told you had triple gonorrhoea!

What sort of person is going to love this show?

My audience for this show has been diverse, from young people in their 20s who are interested in hearing my story and learning about cancer survivorship, to older folk in their 70s and 80s. The majority of my audience has been women 45-65, some of whom are breast cancer survivors and others who find the broader material about aging and menopause relatable.

There is also a health professional audience for the show, and this is likely to grow as I perform excerpts of the show at medical conferences. The health professional audience includes cancer society groups, doctors and nurses and others working in the area. While the focus of the show is my cancer survivorship story, there are also broader themes about coping with change, health care inequality, body neutrality and toxic positivity that are relatable to many people. Almost everyone’s lives have been touched by cancer, and the early detection messages are important for all to be reminded of.

What will the audience be thinking about in the car as they drive home after this show?

From what previous audiences have said, they are surprised at how much they laughed and learnt! I hope the audience leaves with a somewhat sore tummy and facial muscles from laughing so much. Also, that they takeaway some of the key health messages such as check for lumps in boobs and balls and find out your breast density. Hopefully, audiences leave with more understanding of the ongoing impact of breast cancer treatment or feeling that their own experiences have been portrayed on stage. Perhaps they may leave with a slightly lighter wallet if they decide to make a donation to the charity I am fundraising for, Breast Cancer Network Australia. And perhaps they take away a wish to try cartwheeling (no responsibility taken!).

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

To find out more, people can learn more about me at the Dr Jo Prendergast website or listen to me talking about the show here:

Where can patrons purchase tickets to this production?

Cancer And Cartwheels runs at the Adelaide Fringe from March 11th-15th, with show sessions commencing at 6:30 pm.

The show then goes on the road, travelling up the East Coast of Australia to Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane for the following dates/times:-

  • Adelaide – 11th March to 15th March (6:30 pm sessions) – Book Tickets
  • Melbourne – 31st March to 6th April (5:45 pm sessions) – Book Tickets
  • Sydney – 26th April (5:15 pm) – Book Tickets
  • Brisbane – 17th May to 18th May (3:45 pm & 4:45pm) – Book Tickets

To learn more about Dr Jo Prendergast’s Comedy and other activities, please visit https://linktr.ee/joprendergast