Experience Darkness
The past haunts the present, and the present is a kaleidoscope of infinite possibilities.
Set in the near future of wild storms and oppressive social controls, Darkness transports audiences into overlapping worlds of mystery, transformation, fantasy, and wonder. A site-responsive theatrical experience like no other; rich and seductive, gothic and resonant.
Amid thunder and lightning, five deeply-curious and combative friends defy orders to take refuge in an abandoned house, now an eerie mansion of lost things. At its centre is the infamous poet Byron who, confronted by nature’s wrath, turmoil and plague, is caught in a tug of war of life and death.
Inspired by an extraordinary gathering in 1816, Darkness is created by artists Andrew Bovell, Zoey Dawson, Dino Dimitriadis, Dan Gioannoni, and Megan Wilding. It comes alive with potent and entertaining stories as the cohorts trade brilliant tales, conjure spirits and look to the past to contemplate the future. It is a colliding landscape of rich imagery, startling transformation, flashbacks, and forebodings.
Both intimate and epic, the adventurous production explores themes of savage nature, hunger for connection, life, death and the desire to be reborn and renewed. Dare to look into the future.
note: $2.9 handling fee applies
Feedback/Comments
Loved the premise but a bit of a weird plot
Interesting show. Had to stop it a few times for broken glass. Fun experience.
Interesting venue, layout of stage was good. The cast was introduced then cut into mini plays with 1 or 2 actors depicting life events such as sex, drugs and bestiality. I got a free drink (cocktail) from the bar as my card didn't work and the show was about to start. It was so awful I couldn't drink it. Let that sink in.
Challenging
Fantastic show! thanks all
loved the venue. the cast were excellent.
Great acting, really cool stage design and effects but I didn't understand or enjoy the plot very much.
The actors were excellent but I found the play itself was to depressing
Moody, dark and sexy
Intimate experience in a small non-traditional venue. Interesting story.
Great event in the heart Newtown. The venue and set were great. The actors were very committed and entertaining. I didn't love the scripting, but still worth the visit.
Not for the faint hearted! Confronting and well played, great atmosphere
Very enjoyable at a quirky location. Will recommend others to see this performance. Story was a bit scattered.
Interesting...
Fantastic venue and sets but very average script, direction, costumes and performance. Overpriced beverages in relation to serving sizes.
Bizarre
Sensual, dark and riveting. Loved the stories!
We only got 20 minutes in due to tech issues but what we experienced was great
Amazing venue. Interesting play but very acquired taste.
Really cool thematically. Actors were great but story was... scattered?
Interesting play. Powerful visuals. However, not my type of performance.
unfotuneately we were caught in the massive storm tonight and so, ended up returning home. (So have gone with average rating.)
A little different to what I expected but enjoyable
Not what I expected, but a captivating show! The actors were fantastic.
Enjoyed the acting and set. Story a bit drawn out.
Kept us engaged the whole time. Interesting staging and generally good acting. It helps if you are familiar with the characters (Byron & Co) but regardless, the themes explored are universal. Fun experience.
Interesting, tempestuous and startling!
Gorgeous venue and incredible acting.
Let me start with the positives. This is an ambitious production, aiming to explore big ideas with committed actors. It's in a fabulous venue with excellent lighting and amazing sound design. The staging and production design also get top marks. If you're interested in theatre craft, go and see it as a way of thinking about how much of these elements makes up a successful production. Unfortunately the writing fails the above talent miserably. The themes are not fleshed out well. The characters are immature and self engrossed and within 15 mins, you're not caring about the characters or the story and you'd rather be home watching tele. Unfortunately, the immersive seating design means they're no escape. This is a great example of how important the writing is and what happens when it fails.
A very unique piece of theatre. The actors were mesmerising. Very powerful performance.
The set, which is the whole building is well decorated in the theme of the story. The lighting and sound effects were brilliant. The acting was confident and convincing with good voice projection. Unfortunately, my friends who are quite religious found the content and nudity quite offensive and therefore suggested there should have been a warning.
I enjoyed the show. Some other audience members were looking at their watch so it may have been a bit too long for some as there is no intermission in the 100-minute production.
The venue has such presence and impact. The acting is amazing. The theme of the venue and the show aligned so well.
Not great. Very different. Needed a break in between
An intimate performance in a well decor stage. A unique experience.
Unexpected, emotionally charged, and very erotic! The production quality of this was very high and the story was phenomenal.
Amazing venue. The story was good a bit wordy in parts. Great acting and an enjoyable evening.
A very interesting experience. Hard to describe what to expect. The venue is a fabulous location, creating great atmosphere. This show is for someone wanting to experience something very different. It is an intimate production and performed well.
Love what they've done with the building!
great performances and great building
Interesting and different experience which begins as soon as you step foot in the door, with a very distinct vibe and atmosphere. Really cool building and amazing set provides for an intimate show, with everyone up close and personal to the happenings. Great performance by everyone involved in the show, and overall a very fun experience.
Amazing venue and stage design with great performances.
An intense and unique experience with amazing performances by the artists