Carita Farrer Spencer returns to NICA to direct 3rd year ensemble show: FAMOUS

They say that ‘fame is a fickle food upon a shifting plate’, and yet nothing tastes sweeter than the nectar of forbidden fruit. Like moths to a flame, fame draws in its subjects only to leave them scorched by the spotlight.
 
In this circus-theatre show of the century, a posse of egomaniacs discover that the road to hell is paved with red carpet and a god complex can only get you so far.
 
Trapped in a never-ending cycle of posing, smiling, and waving to adoring fans, for whom, the novelty never seems to cease - will our celebrities escape their prison, or risk it all and ascend until they’re immortalised amongst the stars?

Tumble, twirl, and fly in the shoes of the rich and famous as they perform acts of swinging trapeze, Chinese pole, acrobatics and more.

Our young divas thrive under the direction of prolific multidisciplinary artist, Carita Farrer Spencer (Pescado, NICA 2015), whose professional career spans three decades full of enviable collaborations.

Draped in Savannah Wegman’s designs (Biographica, Lyric Opera Theatre Works) with the assistance of Melbourne Polytechnic fashion design students, the wardrobe exudes luxury with its cleverly crafted textiles and considered embellishments.

The stage - sentient, attitudinal, and questionably motivated - is constructed by NICA alum and established set designer, Tim Rutty (GRIM, 2023).

A feverish mixtape by musical maestro Darius Kedros (THIS, Rising Festival 2023) adds the appropriate amount of oomph to this celebrity soap opera.

And shedding light on scenes of chaos is Spencer Herd (Frame Narrative, Old Fitz Theatre 2024), live performance lighting designer with an eye for detail so sharp it makes 20/20 vision look like an ocular impairment.

"I love being in a position to help deepen and expand the students' artistry, challenging them to be creative, playful, brave and the best version of themselves. It is enormously satisfying to create a show that inspires, supports, and guides them in their next chapter as emerging professional artists” – Carita Farrer Spencer.

An Oscar-worthy performance of opulence and grandeur, Famous is toxic, delusional, batty, and brilliant. 

Catch it in theatre from 13 – 22 June 2024.

Cast:
Anais Stewart-Long
Gabriel Walker
Gemma Jackson
Jasmin Tait
Jasmine Poniris
Jesse Holden
Luca Trimboli
Merlene Hutt
Rose Symons
Taylor Vogt
Tyson Wallent
Zalea Nolte

Visit Trybooking for tickets.

Photography by Cameron Grant.

Published 20 May 2024