BASEMENT THEATRE
NZ THEATRE
THE PRESENTATION OF FINDINGS FROM THE SCIENTIFIC SURVEY OF THE FIRST 7500 DAYS OF MY LIFE DONE IN THE INTEREST OF SHOWING YOU HOW TO LIVE BETTER LIVES
SET DESIGN
directed by NISHA MADHAN (shortland street)
produced by JAMIE JOHNSTONE with PETER MAY
written by UTHER DEAN
venue BASEMENT THEATRE, auckland, new zealand
Some people collect stamps, some people play sports, and some people undertake in-depth scientific surveys for each day of their entire lives. Let’s just say that Max Addison doesn’t collect stamps or play sports. The presentation of the findings from Max’s survey, findings that could indeed be literally considered their life’s work, will be a momentous occasion. To not attend such a momentous occasion could easily be construed as oafish or unthinking. Max is certain that you will wish to avoid this pitfall.
Shiloh Dobie, under the direction of Christine Urquhart, and through collaboration with Sarah Kirk and Lizzie Morris, designed and constructed the Set for The First 7500 Days of my Life (depicted).
photos & video by ALEX PLUMB
Praise for The First 7500 Days of my Life:
…Max is wise to tell us that ‘everything is falling apart’. It is too and I have to say I’ve not seen so much chaos and carnage on a stage in a very long time. Anarchy rules to such an extent that even the appearance of an upstanding cartoon penis on the whiteboard doesn’t surprise us one little bit. The stage is trashed, there are cables everywhere, people fall over, friendship are ruined and it’s all incredibly, incredibly funny.’
– Lexie Matheson, Theatreview
‘The performer’s efforts are once again aided by set design. Utilising the previous set sans swings, The First 7500 Days of My Life also features a raised wooden stage with numerous trap doors that offer many comedic opportunities.’
– Rebekah Philson, whatsgoodblog
Set designers Sarah Kirk, Shiloh Dobie, and Lizzie Morris, under the mentorship of Christine Urquhart, provide a sleek set for the artificial world of Narcissus, and a DIY raise for 7500, tying them together with visible wiring under artificially lit ceiling panels, and while sightlines for Stephen Bain’s AV Design proved problematic in Narcissus, the issue is simply another tool for 7500 to use to their comedic advantage.
– Matt Baker, Theatre Scenes