Arriving at the Sydney Opera House from July 6-12 is Bully Bully, an insightful show for ages 3+ that tackles big questions through clowning, physical comedy and laugh-out-loud mayhem. The show is entirely non-verbal, making it accessible to all abilities.
Created by Dutch theatre makers, Mass Theatre En Dans, this performance turns global politics into a kid friendly spectacle with a thought-provoking look into how we treat one another and what happens when power goes unchecked.
F2L spoke to artistic director René Geerlings.
- Is this mime? Yes, this is a mime piece but not in the classical way. No pretending of glass walls or white painted faces. It’s modern mime, so the actors are physically skilled. You can also say it’s clownery.
- Has it been created specifically for people who are deaf or non-verbal? It’s specially made without language. Only two words are mentioned. Yes and no. It’s accessible for the deaf and non-verbal because of the physical story telling. The only thing you miss is the soundtrack.
- What are the accessible elements? The storytelling is visual and physical. The piece is built up as a choreography of movement and action.
- How does it communicate complex issues? It’s about two kings battling for the favour of the audience, in that sense it’s a very actual topic and inspired by current male world leaders. It shows that grown men with power don’t always act like adults. And I chose two women to play these childish men. It’s also about woman empowerment.
- From ages 3+ to? It’s a piece made especially for an intergenerational experience, filled with layers for different age groups. 3-year-olds and older brother and sisters, parents and grandparents will enjoy this together.
- BullyBully, why this title? At first, I wanted to call it Istanbully because this piece was made in co-production with the ATTA festival in Istanbul, Turkey. But because it’s about two bullies I just called it: Bully Bully. It has a nice rhythm to it.
- Do any of the actors have a disability? No, but the actors both represent different cultures and that’s very important in this piece.
- Any Australians in the performance? Unfortunately not. But I am open for an Australian adaptation if anyone is interested.
Find out more or get tickets at the Sydney Opera House website.