The Director
Lara Thoms - Aphids
A bold new performance on a universal experience and taboo topic. Scott Turnbull and Lara Thoms demystify, expose and expand elements of the death industry.
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“morbidly funny”
Stage Whispers
Death, the universal taboo
Death and cremation. Floral decorations. Contracts and Coffins. Nothing is off limits.
Blurring lines between funeral and theatrical direction, artist Lara Thoms and ex-funeral director Scott Turnbull explore tastes, costs and options amongst the funeral industry as one learns the trade of funeral direction, and the other critiques. Completing tasks set by each other, they feedback on the other’s actions and each take steps into a deeper understanding of this taboo.
Demystify the universal leveller. Consider the manipulation of those at their most vulnerable. Share in their knowledge and join the laughter as the duo balance the reality of the macabre with the playful. The tragic. The unmissable.
Presented by the Sydney Opera House.
The Director Video
A bold new performance taking up a universal experience and taboo topic. Turnbull and Thoms demystify, expose and expand elements of the death industry.Creative team
Lara Thoms
Scott Turnbull
Aaron Orzech
Liz Dunn
Katie Sfetkidis
Kenneth Pennington
Originally supported by the City of Melbourne through Arts House, developed in CultureLAB with the assistance of Creative Victoria. This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.
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