theatre works and flatpack. present
by keziah warner
Control
22 OCTOBER - 1 NOVEMBER | EXPLOSIVES FACTORY
by keziah warner
A slick sci-fi odyssey exploring humanity’s desire to dictate how we are perceived by others.
In the not-so-distant future, a heavily pregnant ex-ballerina, a child detective, a bitter puppeteer and a feminist pop princess hurtle towards Mars in a Big Brother-style spaceship. The world is watching. Isn’t it?
On the eve of a revolution, Nicki and Caroline attempt to gain control over their lives as their AI superior Alex, dances the night away.
And on New Earth, Esta and Isabelle forge hope through a new kind of relationship.
Director Olivia Staaf draws on her background in science communication and ecological performance making to realise Control as an experiential voyage for audiences.
Spanning across half a century from Melbourne to Mars, Control is a startling and provocative play by Keziah Warner that delves deep into our relationship with technology: its moral ambiguities, its dependencies, and its potential.
Control was commissioned by Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre through the INK program and was originally produced by Red Stitch in 2019.
This work is supported by Darebin Arts through the Darebin Arts Speakeasy Spare Room Program.
flatpack “delivers on its promise for bold storytelling” - My Melbourne Arts
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “A play which demands to be watched. Acerbic and assured, Control consistently delivers unforgettable moments of hilarity and pathos.” - The Music
VENUE
Explosives Factory, Rear Laneway 67 Inkerman Street, St Kilda
DURATION
90 minutes
WARNINGS
Course language and mature themes
ACCESSIBILITY
Explosives Factory is accessed via a flight of stairs and is not wheelchair accessible.
DATES + TIMES
Wednesday 22 October 7:30pm (Preview)
Thursday 23 October 7:30pm (Opening)
Friday 24 October 7:30pm
Saturday 25 October 7:30pm
Tuesday 28 October 7:30pm
Wednesday 29 October 7:30pm
Thursday 30 October 7:30pm
Friday 31 October 7:30pm
Saturday 1 November 7:30pm
Theatre Works has a lockout policy for latecomers. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to ensure you don't miss out.
Refunds will not be issued to latecomers.
TICKETS
FULL PRICE
$35.00
CONCESSION
$28.00
PREVIEW
$25.00
MOB TIX
$25.00
Our FRESH WORKS program is for Early Career Artists. Similar to our WITH THEATRE WORKS program but for those less along in their producing and making journey. In addition to producing, marketing, PR and production support, FRESH WORKS artists have access to creative, technical and producing mentorship.
*Seniors, Student, MEAA, Health Care and Low Income card holders
CREDITS
WRITER
Keziah Warner
DIRECTOR
Olivia Staaf
LIGHTING DESIGNER
Tomas Gerasimidis
SET & COSTUME DESIGNER
Silvia Weijia Shao
PRODUCTION & MARKETING MANAGER
Emma Parfitt
SOUND DESIGNER
Lili Wymond
PROJECTION DESIGNER
Ami Salinas
STAGE MANAGER
Anna Ryley
CAST
Seon Williams
Faran Martin
Lachlan Herring
Alex Duncan
MEET THE ARTIST -
flatpack
flatpack is a creative production company and science/art collective. Established in 2023 by Olivia Staaf, flatpack centres care and creative sustainability in art-making.
In 2024, flatpack presented Dry Land by Ruby Rae Spiegel at Theatre Works and Close to Home at Melbourne Fringe Festival.
EXTRAS
Rehearsal Gallery
Check out the latest images from inside the rehearsal room of Control.
In Conversation with Olivia Staaf
Read the full interview here.