"This highly imaginative, whimsical performance creates powerful imaginative worlds, where the non-dominating human-animal becomes one species within a multi-species world." Denise Varney, for Conservatory 2020 

Conservatory


 Created in collaboration between Melinda Hetzel & Co. and Niow, ‘Conservatory' is a playful, wordless, live and live-streamed performance-installation for all ages. 
 
‘Conservatory’ returns to Central Park Malvern for Glow Winter Arts Festival 15-18 June 2023. 

Shifting from the macro to the miniature, we glimpse moments of this child-like being’s exterior and interior worlds, through both the glass windows of the greenhouse and the lens of the cameras. Set within this plant-filled biosphere, we watch as they explore the limits of their space, find happiness in simple things, and imagine the impossible.

'Conservatory' is presented for the first time in four unique acts. This is an out-of-the-ordinary, rainbow-friendly, free performance, unfolds progressively over the course the festival - one act nightly over the four nights of the festival. Each act is performed live from within the greenhouse and simultaneously live-streamed to audiences around the world. Audiences are invited to watch in person (through the greenhouse windows) and online (via a four-camera live feed), as this unexpected coming-of-age story is played out through music, costume, physical theatre, sparklers, rain and fairy floss.

Performed live by Niow (Cirque du Soleil, Polyglot) from within an historic conservatory. Simultaneously live-streamed to your device. 

Performance Details

Venue: Historic Conservatory, Central Park, 148 Burke Rd, Malvern East 
Dates: 15-18 June 2023
Performance times : 
​
Thursday, June 15    6:00pm to 7.30pm       Chapter One
Friday, June 16          7.30pm to 9:00pm       Chapter Two
Saturday, June 17     7.30pm to 9:00pm       Chapter Three
Sunday, June 18        6:00pm to 7.30pm       Chapter Four

This is a free artwork for all ages.  Drop by, or tune in, any time.  

Creative Team 


Co-created by Niow and Melinda Hetzel & Co.

Artistic Director - Melinda Hetzel
Performer / Designer - Niow 
Sound Designer / Composer - Sharyn Brand
Lighting Design / Live-stream - Nicholas Maloney & Paul Lim (additive)
Production / Stage Manager - Harry Dowling
Interim Production Manager - Hannah Murphy
Performance Understudy / FOH - Emily Tomlins
Technical Understudy / Crew - Steph O’Hara
Photography - Pia Johnson
Plant installation - Claire Hetzel & James McPherson




Photos (header and slideshow): Pia Johnson featuring Niow during 2020 production in the greenhouse.

Further Info

This performance uses compostable sticky tape, cellophane and sticking plasters.

​Videography and photography will take place throughout the festival. An adult must accompany children for all events.

For Parents/ Carers: this work is designed to be experienced together, adult supervision of children is recommended [PG]
​
​Content: may contain imagery relating to climate change, Covid-19, mental health, gender diversity​​, and haze effects. Please see content discussion in our Relaxed Guide for further details.

Conservatory 2020 was originally relaxed in consultation with A-tistic Theatre. 

Conservatory premiered as a durational performance as part of Melbourne Fringe Festival, Saturday 21st November 2020. It was nominated for Best Experimental Performance.  The premiere season was supported by the City of Stonnington. ​

We would like to acknowledge the traditional owners and true custodians of the unceded lands where 'Conservatory' was created, the Bunurong Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung peoples of the Eastern Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging and extend that respect to all First Nations peoples.

We acknowledge that we are facing a Climate Emergency and the pivotal role First Nations people continue to play in protecting and caring for Country.