Featuring a humourous clash between AI and humanity, families will love the fun and thought-provoking show.
Illawarra Performing Arts Centre
19 – 20 April
Press Release
Woollongong
Coming to Illawarra Performing Arts Centre 19 – 20 April in the school holidays, Whalebone by Jens Altheimer is set to wow kids with inventions and comedy, but also spark conversations about Artificial Intelligence and humanity.
Wollongong families will love the cool mix of robotics, animation and a touch of circus. Welcome to the ‘Depository’, a mysterious agency that safeguards human memories. This strange and wondrous world starts to fall apart when it is under attack by a rogue A.I. who tries to install a malicious bug …. and only two unlikely buddies can save the ‘Depository ’and its stories. Telling a tale full of magic and action, Whalebone is funny, intriguing and touching. It opens the door to a fantastical place where the future of humanity is under scrutiny.
Whalebone was nominated for the Green Room Award for Best Set and Costume Design, and Altheimer also won the Adelaide Fringe Award for Best Production for Children with Squaring the Wheel (2013) and nominated for the same award with Loose Ends (2017).
Jens Altheimer is an award-winning independent artist who has been making and presenting work for audiences in Australia and Europe for 35 years. He is a deviser, director, performer, producer, mentor, inventor, and tinkerer with a strong interest in creating participatory and empowering art experiences. Jens incorporates elements of puppetry, circus, interactive mechanical sculptures, video, and music into his highly visual theatre productions that explore human relationships through the world of animated objects.
Jens Altheimer says, I am very excited to perform Whalebone in Wollongong. It brings the show to a city that embodies a strong blend of nature, industry, and culture. I have no doubt that the vibrant community here will value Whalebone’s themes of storytelling, innovation, and the preservation of human heritage.”
Other school holiday activities include the Merrigong Creativity Camp at Wollongong Town Hall. Over 5 days, children will explore their creativity and confidence through drama games, music and creative workshops.
Whalebone
When: 19 – 20 April 2024
Times: Fri 19 Apr, 10am & 12.30pm; Sat 20 Apr 10am (Relaxed) & 12.30pm
Where: Bruce Gordon Theatre – Illawarra Performing Arts Centre
Tickets: $29
Bookings: https://merrigong.com.au/shows/whalebone/
Accessibility: Relaxed Performances are designed to welcome people who may benefit from a more informal environment, including young children and people living with Autism. All welcome.
Performance Warnings: Contains fast-paced video effects, twitchy audio. Recommended for ages 6+
