The Kabuki Drop
Whale Fall
By Ian Sinclair
Presented in association with Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts
Submerge yourself in a poetic reimagining of the classic Australian seaside drama for our troubled times in this slow-burning family drama about second chances and unconditional love.
Nadine returns to her beachside home and the family she abandoned to re-connect with her daughter. Now oceans apart, she must navigate her ex-husband’s anger at her departure and learn to accept and support her now son Caleb with his desire to medically affirm his gender.
A deeply personal story, Whale Fall charts transition across generations, family dynamics, the human body and our ecological future. Central to the work is the story of a dying whale as it slowly descends to the sea floor and forms a new biodiverse ecosystem known as a ‘whale fall’.
Inspired by environmental writer Rebecca Giggs’ essay of the same name, Whale Fall features rich visual language, intimate performances and immersive design to conjure the familiarity of the Australian coast. This evocative new work brings together a multi-facted WA creative team from different backgrounds that identify with and support the trans and queer communities.
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DirectorMelissa Cantwell (She/her)Assistant DirectorMossy Johnson (She/her)WriterIan Sinclair (He/him)PerformersAshton Brady (He/Him), Caitlin Beresford-Ord (She/Her), Luke Hewitt (He/Him) & Alexandria Steffensen (She/Her)Set & Costume DesignerBruce McKinven (He/him/his)Design Associate (Set & Costume)Amalia Lambert (She/her)Lighting DesignerMatthew Marshall (He/him)Composer & Sound DesignerRebecca Riggs-Bennett (She/her)Sound MentorKingsley Reeve (He/him)DramaturgJesse Oliver (He/him)Producer The Kabuki DropAlexandre Egloff (He/Him)Producers for PICATim Carter (He/Him) & Brittany Green (She/Her)Stage ManagerStas Julien-Marital (They/them)Community ConsultantsTeddy Loveny (They/them), Emery Wishart (He/him) & Brooke Bennett (She/her) from TransFolk of WA
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About Pronouns
Pronouns are words used to refer to a person other than their name. When a trans person comes out they may have new pronouns they want to use. They, She and He are all examples of common pronouns. Some people also prefer less common pronouns. Read more here
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The Kabuki Drop
The Kabuki Drop is an emergent, multi-platform arts company creating work within a variety of spaces and across art forms. They are storytellers who reinterpret theatre forms and present ideas and aesthetics for adventurous audiences. They play with and within their environments, championing artists who create immersive experiences which provoke thought, challenge norms and encourage conversation. Formed by Melissa Cantwell in 2017, the company has presented The Average Joe (Fringeworld, 2017), Blink (Commissioned by The City of Perth Winter Arts Festival, 2017), Slap and Tickle (Fringeworld, 2018, Adelaide Cabaret Festival 2019) and The Elders Project (Fremantle Festival 2019). -
Trans Folk of WA
TransFolk of WA is a support service for all transgender people and their loved ones in Western Australia.Living Proud
Living Proud provides support, information and resources to the Western Australian gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans and intersex community.
| Time & Location |
Wed 17 - Sat 27 FebTue – Sat 7.30pm | Matinee Sat 27 Feb 2pm PICA Performance Space, 51 James Street, Northbridge / Yandilup Duration90mins |
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| Pricing |
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Eligible for package discount |
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| Accessibility |
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| Notes |
Contains coarse language and adult themes |
| Connect Events |
Post Show Q&A Tue 23 FebStay in your seats after the performance to hear from creators and artists in a Q&A session. |
| STAY COVID SAFE |
We are implementing WA Government's SafeWA contact tracing system. From December 5, it's a condition of entry to register your attendance at our venues. To make it easier, download the SafeWA app now via the WA Government website. |
Thank you
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- Emma McEvoy
Acknowledgements
- Whale Fall is commissioned by the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA) and co-presented with Perth Festival. This project is supported by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, the City of Perth and PICA’s Art Commissioners.