Chase The Feeling
Forming a volume of a Masters in Anthropology of Theatre, Michael Allen Productions’ World Premiere, Chase The Feeling is an intriguingly different Adelaide Fringe production. Lesley Reed reports.
Based on real anthropological fieldwork about a group of autistic actors, Chase The Feeling is an experiment in combining academic research with theatre. This fast-paced satirical assassination of theatre and autism is to be presented at the 2016 Adelaide Fringe by Michael Allen Productions.
Michael Allen has an impressive acting and directing resume, both locally and internationally, including having been director of such successes as A Solitary Choice, Fringe/Desert Fringe 2014, and MISERY, Fringe 2012.
“Chase The Feeling is an existentialist romp through autism, the meaning of ‘normal’ and the experience of theatre itself,” says Michael, who is the play’s writer and director.
The work is a bold, new and intelligent piece of theatre, one rooted in Michael’s Masters of Philosophy degree in cultural anthropology, yet it is not a dry academic piece. Instead, movement, music and traditional clowning each temper Chase The Feeling’s intelligent and dynamic exploration of theatre with a raw and visceral physicality. The audience can expect to be left emotionally and intellectually fulfilled.
“Chase The Feeling has broad appeal to theatre lovers, especially given its unique style and inner critique of the genre,” says Michael, “but also, the subject matter deals with autism and the real experiences of those on the spectrum and their families. Two of the actors are actually on the autism spectrum, which makes for a unique appeal to audiences with that interest.”
Subject of the story Tahlia is on the autism spectrum too, living life amongst people and systems that make her disabled. But she isn't. And despite being abandoned by the people and institutions that are meant to help, she will find her own voice and speak proudly about herself. Tahlia wants to be an actor so she can make others understand how it feels to be her. With the help of two characters from her subconscious Tahlia and the audience will explore the mysterious existentialism and enigmatic universe of the theatre.
Inspired by the classic cannon of theatrical literature and performance genres, Chase The Feeling is at once poignant, absurd and deeply emotional. Both outrageous and profound, it explores how identity is defined and how theatre can suspend everyday relationships to create new meanings.Apparently it’s got an inspirational sports montage sequence too!
“No one is working in the field of anthropology and theatre on this level,” says Michael Allen. “Now, that may sound dry, but this is a new branch of theatre/research never before explored.”
Michael plans to develop Chase The Feeling for a global audience, showcasing local South Australian theatre and continuing his development of international relationships.
“As a script developed from a higher degree by research it is also considered an academic publication in its own right,” says Michael, “appealing to current debates about autism, theatre and contemporary anthropology.”
Michael has already successfully presented a production of this piece as part of his Masters degree, therefore road testing it. He believes its proven artistic and academic success demonstrates it is tour-ready.
“It is based on feedback from this showing that I have decided to seek a Fringe and international audience,” he says. “I have been initiating opportunities for the touring of the production with international colleagues for 2016 and beyond. I plan to utilise the networking opportunities of the Fringe and be actively working towards selling this production nationally and internationally.”
Michael Allen Productions is a company proud to align itself to the spirit of the Fringe; creating shows which challenge people’s thinking as well as providing entertainment and extending the boundaries of experience beyond the time in the theatre seat. It is also important to the company to use theatre as a vehicle for increasing awareness of social issues, by sparking dialogue relating to social change and taboos. Clearly, Michael Allen Productions is true to another mantra, too-produce locally, perform globally.
The Adelaide Fringe production of Chase The Feeling guest stars actors from Company @ (History of Autism, 2015). The highly qualified and experienced cast includes Leeanne Marshall, Julian Jaensch and Nicole Allen.
Farce, satire, drama, tragedy, with lashings of anthropology on the side…who would not be fascinated to experience Chase The Feeling?
WHEN: Mon Feb 22- Sat Feb 27 @ 6pm. 60min duration.
WHERE: Bakehouse Theatre; The Studio, 255 Angas Street, Adelaide.
BOOKINGS: adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix
TICKETS: $23.
More 2016 Adelaide Fringe Previews
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