The Memory Palaces

A highly visual new piece of theatre, it has been inspired by “ancient methods of recall that have left traces on cultures around the ground”.

The conclusion of five weeks of study and preparation, students explored the nature of memory and worked to create what they describe as a visual poem. All writing, designing, construction of puppets and properties, sound design and composition was done by this cohort of Performance Making students. 

A non-verbal piece, performers worked to a score written by Bachelor of Performing Arts - Practice Transition student Dee Waddingham, honed by Musical Directors and Sound Designers Harper Nguyen and Alicia Lori. The set - dominated by a billowing curtain also used as a screen for shadow puppetry - was designed by Gabriella Munro and Tash Erbich. Puppets, varying in style and type were made by Atira Shack, Harrison Lorenz-Daniel, Liam Crevola and Tash Erbich.

Working seamlessly as an ensemble, the cast manipulated the puppets with care and precision, as this eclectic and mesmerising piece weaved its story of memories. Most memorable was probably a wicker-like child - and later their younger sibling - but all elements were well performed and made for interesting, very watchable theatre.

While we saw little of the faces of this graduating class in their final performance for WAAPA, their talent, vision and creativity was clear to see. I look forward to seeing their creative endeavours in the years to come. 

Kimberley Shaw