Once And For All
- About the Work
- Touring & Tech
- Marketing & Engagement
Using the stories of those buried in the cemetery to remind us what is important to ourselves
Synopsis
Once and For All is an event in two parts. It begins with a gentle guided tour of the town’s cemetery where we combine storytelling and reportage with music, joined by people from the local community who contribute their songs and memories. The stories we tell have been found through historical records and personal accounts that have been volunteered through workshops with the community. Part 2 occurs in a nearby indoor space where the event transforms into a theatrical performance that uses music, poetry and sculpture to move us away from the past into the present and onwards to acknowledgement of our own mortality.
The event concludes with the audience and performers enjoying a chat over a cup of tea and scones. We have made two versions of Once And For All, one in Bendigo cemetery and one in Natimuk cemetery. Both are unique though they share some universal stories, theatrical devices and elements. Community involvement was increased in Natimuk, and, being a small town, we included locals speaking at the graves of their relatives and friends.
Short Review
Video
Technical Information
Lighting
General stage wash
Specials:
Spot to musician stage in audience
Spot on rostrum, down right
Spot on coffin, centre stage
A disco effect within audience area, preferably mirror ball. Company
can provide.
Audio
Mic and DI from the musician stage at rear of audience – prefer speaker to be located nearby. Company can provide
Staging
Musician stage: 1200x1200x600 minimum platform on stage right side at
rear audience seating. Company can provide.
Rostrum. Company can provide.
One low rostra for cardboard set and props, minimum 1200 wide 600 deep. Company can provide.
Transport Notes
1 tonne van
Can travel by plane
Audience & Marketing Notes
Once And For All is suitable for people with an interest in local history, in novel ways of storytelling, and in participatory experiences. It deals with the topic of death, and is moving in parts, though ultimately uplifting. We include historical as well as recent stories contributed by the community, sourced through historical societies, Trove and personal anecdote gathered during workshops.
In Natimuk we did workshops with the nursing home and the primary school where they made cardboard flowers that were used in the performance so that the audience connected with some of the oldest and youngest people in the community. Audiences enjoy the cemetery tour with its atmosphere and authenticity, and the change of pace and style in the second half where the stories become more universal and gentle audience particpation is involved. Tea and scones afterwards offer opportunities to talk and we have found that the topic and treatment unite strangers and promotes cathartic conversations.
Selling Points
- Site specific using the town’s cemetery
- Uses stories about the local community drawn from history and anecdote
- A cathartic and kind experience for those who've experienced a death of someone close or have someone buried in the cemetery.
- Artists resident in the town prior to the performances to build relationships and interest
- Extensive involvement of the community in constructing and delivering the show
- Prop making workshops prior to the performance can include various organisations such as local primary school, general public, old people's home
- Novel experience; part cemetery tour, part participatory theatrical experience make it exciting
- Opportunity given to confront and discuss death in an open and gentle way
- Promotes connection within community through cathartic conversations
Community Engagement
- Such As They Are are resident in the town and meet the community to gather stories and construct the show.
- We use a local as our key connector to put us in touch with people and organisations.
- We work with the local historical society.
- We find local musicians and singers to participate in the performance.
- There is scope for individuals to read or speak.
- We include a local dancer or two.
- We run workshops to make cardboard props and set used in the show.
Content Warning
Details
Audience
Adults & accompanied children
Venue Format
Part 1, site specific at cemetery, part 2 in a hall
Duration
90 Minutes
Available Until
Budget & Fees
What are these? Find out more.Remount: $26000
Weekly Sell Off: $0
Per Performance: $0
