(dis)locations at La Mama Theatre

Interactive and innovative, (dis)locations was a breath of fresh air to the Melbourne theatre scene. Performed at La Mama Theatre in June 2021, this musical performance takes the audience on a journey in four parts. Milk Bar takes a look back at one of the most unique performances we saw this year. 

Upon entry, each audience member was given an envelope filled with two maps and information on the show. This map was your entry to the hall and each viewer is assigned a performer to follow into the space. After walking into the quaint theatre that is La Mama, we sat among fellow travellers. 

The first part of the show was ‘Trajectories’. This part of the show focuses on pathways and portrays the importance of maps in terms of how we view the land and which way to venture. The second part, Mapping, reflects ways of thinking about people, places, land and structures. This part of the performance represents different ways that people view places in relation to changes, invasions, struggles, migrations and more. With a strong focus on the difference between older maps and newer ones, Mapping takes the viewer through Topography, Grid, Exploration, Terra Incognita, Resources, Roads and Flight Paths. 

Have your maps ready for part three! This part of the journey involves encountering new ways, loss, nostalgia, aggression and response. Migratory Games is presented in a series of Loss, Takeover, Dislocations, Dispossession and Memory. Part three is exciting, collaborative and involves the audience in an entertaining way. 

After the interval, Ryan Williams on the contrabass Paetzold recorder is an ebb and flow on musical genius with Coastlines. This fourth part of (dis)locations is based on a simple three-note pattern focusing on the metaphor that a coastline is never-ending and cannot be accurately located. 

Packed with a cast of talented musicians with Ryan Williams on the recorders, Gemma Horbury on the keyed trumpet, Callum G’Froerer on the double belle trumpet, Kim Tan and Jennifer Timmins on flutes, Alicia Parry on the tuba and Hamish Upton on percussion, the musical flair is endless. Showcasing traditional and non-traditional methods of play, these musicians are modern in their approach to the use of their instruments. 

Buckle up and travel with your ears and eyes through the maps with (dis)locations. This musical performance is represented in a narrative technique with the viewer following their maps throughout. A stimulating and renewed take on musical performance in Melbourne, this show is not one to be missed. 

La Mama has a bunch of re-scheduled shows slated for November and December 2021. To take a look at their updated program, visit their website. Their first show IRL is Cabaretica: November on Friday 12 November. Get in quick!

La Mama Theatre
1/205 Faraday St, Carlton VIC 3053
lamam.com.au

Image: Darren Gill