TURNING 30 might freak some people out but for almost-30 Mt Lawley writer and director Jessica Messenger it proved a source of creative inspiration for play Multiverse Theory in D.
“The show actually began as a writing exercise when I was in the Black Swan Young Writers Group in 2012,” Messenger said.
“We were asked to write a 10 minute piece in response to the provocation, ‘And Then What?’ I became fascinated with this idea, that choice can be paralysing rather than empowering and so the question changed, to become ‘What if?’
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READ NOW“As a very busy mother, artist and business woman I wanted to explore this idea that the modern day woman can have it all, balanced with the reality that ‘having it all’ isn’t always what it is cracked up to be.”
Messenger, artistic director of rebranded independent theatre company Ellandar, said Multiverse Theory in D focused on character Naomi who, on the eve of her 30th birthday, starts experiencing three different versions of her life – career driven double income no kids, sultry jazz singer and hippy mother.
“The show plays with physics, and jazz music, and complex interpersonal relationships to explore Naomi’s strong desire to escape her life,” she said.
“It is a playful, funny, musical and hopefully very sensitive look at depression and communication.”
The production requires all actors to sing and features the local talent of Erin Hutchinson, Esther Longhurst, Nick Maclaine and Josh Walker under the musical direction of Suzanne Kosovits, who plays double bass live on stage.
“The show is a lot of fun, but it does deal with some heavier topics around mental illness and relationships,” Messenger said.
“For me, the strongest theme in Multiverse… is the importance of honesty; being open and vulnerable not only with the people you love, but with yourself.
“I hope audience members feel inspired and encouraged not to be afraid to ask for help, and to reach out to those around them who might be struggling.”
THE ESSENTIALS
What: Multiverse Theory in D
Where: The Blue Room Theatre
When: November 17 to December 5
Tickets: www.blueroom.org.au