Death and the Dreamlife of Elephants

Downstage & a slightly isolated dog present
Death and the Dreamlife of Elephants
It’s only make-believe…

Elephants encountered in central city…pachydermal population explosion…is grey the new black?

Scientists insist the Wellington region has never been a natural habitat for elephant species, yet sightings of elephants on the streets of Wellington are increasing. It’s a phenomenon leading zoologists describe as ‘alarming’ and ‘plain weird’. Meanwhile civic leaders are urging calm as the animals seem set on peaceful integration into the community. Whether in family groups or alone, the elephants are seen enjoying the capital’s many visitor attractions, or indeed making a positive contribution to society in local workplaces and learning institutions.

When interviewed as to his species intentions, one large bull elephant replied: “It’s only make-believe.”, before wandering off in search of a clay lick and a soy latte.

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Downstage’s latest Presenting Partner is one of the country’s most innovative creative companies; a slightly isolated dog.

The collective’s work Death and the Dreamlife of Elephants is a project with an award-winning theatre performance at its heart, and an interactive storytelling experience that extends far beyond the theatre into the online space and the streets of Wellington.

Death and the Dreamlife of Elephants tells the story of Julian, a Wellington man whose life has drifted to a standstill since his mother’s death. A mysterious stranger sets him on a quest to find an ornamental elephant that once formed part of his mother’s extensive collection. As his life finds a focus in the search, he finds himself plunged deeper and deeper into a surreal, sometimes pleasurable and often dangerous dream world.

The story fuses elements of magic and the familiar surroundings of Wellington in a fabulist noir-esque tale of obsession, loss and everyday wonder. Reviews described the original production (2009) as “mesmerising…superbly produced and performed”, “ambitious and beautiful” and “dazzling”. One of the most strikingly beautiful productions of recent years, Death and the Dreamlife of Elephants won Chapman Tripp theatre awards for lighting design, set design and direction.

The production was first developed as a STAB project for BATS Theatre, with it’s mandate to experiment with new uses of technology in theatre. Having recognised the quality and potential of the work in its original form, Downstage has partnered with a slightly isolated dog to restage it. As Director/CEO Hilary Beaton says:

” Hamlet would not be the play it is today if it had had a four week season and then disappeared into obscurity. Productions grow with repeat seasons, artists get greater exposure and all involved have the potential to get a return on their investment.”

The production has been developed and enhanced since its original season and redeveloped production will appear at Downstage from the 13 May – 4 June.

Meanwhile, a web of interactive online content surrounds the production across many platforms; a brand new version of their deeply explorable website, launches on Monday April 18launched today, , invites visitors to delve into mysterious multimedia clues and evocations, a facebook page leads to a character twitter feed , and a YouTube channel, a Soundcloud audio gallery and, from 26 April, a series of short stories will be broadcast on Radio NZ at 10:45am weekdays. All deepens and fleshes out the central story, while providing audiences with their own mysterious Wellington journey.

Plus, over the coming weeks performers wearing elephant masks will be seen throughout Wellington. Both in large flashmobbed herds and as individuals, a slightly isolated dog will bring a little mystery and magic to the streets of the capital.

Downstage’s own twitter feed, @downstagenz and facebook page will provide advance notice of these events for individuals and media organisations who would like to capture the wildlife on film or digitally.

Death and the Dreamlife of Elephants
Dates: 13 May – 4 Jun
Times: Tuesday/Wednesday 6.30pm, Thursday - Saturday 8pm (no shows Sun and Mon)
Tickets can be purchased online, by phone at (04) 801 6946 or in person at Downstage’s box office.
For up-to-date information visit www.downstage.co.nz

A slightly isolated dog
Creative Team

Leo Gene Peters, Director/Creative Producer
Tracey Monastra, Design
Meg Rollandi, New Media Design
Andrew Foster, Dramaturg
Thomas Press, Composition and Sound Design
Rowan Pierce, Filmmaker
Charlotte Gordon, Production Manager
Adam Walker, Lighting Design
Paul Tozer, Technical Director
Angela Green, Producer (by arrangement with Downstage)
Performers: Vaughan Slinn, Sara Allen, Aaron Cortesi, Hannah Banks, Uther Dean, Paul Waggott, Harriette Cowan

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