"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
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Created in collaboration between Melinda Hetzel & Co. and Niow, ‘Conservatory' is a playful, wordless, 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; one 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 times 15-18 June 2023: Thursday, June 15 6:00pm to 7.30pm Friday, June 16 7.30pm to 9:00pm Saturday, June 17 7.30pm to 9:00pm Sunday, June 18 6:00pm to 7.30pm Free. |
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Creative Team -
Co-created by Melinda Hetzel & Co. and Niow Artistic Director - Melinda Hetzel Performer/ Designer - Niow Sound Designer / Composer - Sharyn Brand Lighting Designer / Live-stream support - Nicholas Maloney & Paul Lim (additive) Dramaturg - Steph O’Hara Photography / Collaborator - Pia Johnson Horticultural consultant / Plant installation - Claire Hetzel 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. |
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 2020 Relaxed Guide for further details. We plan to update this guide soon with the changed 2023 details, but it will provide some useful info in the interim. Conservatory 2020 was 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. |
