Lights up.
A single spotlight stretches in the darkness. Sitting atop a pedestal in golden glory is a collection of leather bound stories. Memories. In a land of paper, the pages are turning and there is no saying what will come out.
You haven’t seen it before. You won’t see it again.
This is TOME.
…
TOME is a once in a lifetime play spanning over two acts. Once you step foot inside the theatre you are transported to a new world – Every. Single. Night. Allow yourself to be a witness to the chaos of actors unleashed without the confines of a script.
Each show explores familiar themes that make up stories of humankind, both new and old, told and untold. Within the many layers and contexts, the show strips humanity back to its purest form; we are all social creatures, searching for connection on our journey to find meaning. Intensely funny in all its absurdity, and devastating in its emotional drama, you will feel all the feels.
No show is to be missed. Don’t come once, come twice. You’ll understand what we mean.
TOME is a unique experience that everyone can enjoy. It gives the audience an opportunity to be at a one-of-a-kind event, never to be exactly repeated. The emotions of the experience can range from being scared, through to side splitting laughter or even some emotional drama. The performers do not shy away of taking your experience deep into other worlds and bring you in, so you are not only viewing, but you are engaged.
TOME is plaintive realism, fourth-wall shattering absurdity, imaginative physicality and raw experimentation all in one show - and it's entirely different every night. I don't know how they've done it, but this ensemble have mastered the art of writing and performing quality scenes on the fly.
If the word 'improvisation' conjures memories of attention-seeking theatresports players, you need to know this is nothing like that. The performances grow with deft poise and remarkable timing. Though no show is ever the same, what you'll experience comes from a process of intense rehearsal and training: there's nothing rushed, forced, or overwrought about it.
It's unpredictable, inventive and electric - bringing together the elements that make theatre exciting, with unexpected force.
Tome, wow. What a show! Incredible performers with a real gift for spontaneity and comedic timing. Powerful, tender and intimate moments. Youthful and full of energy. Can't wait to see them perform again!
Brisbane Anywhere Festival
14th-15th May 2021
Artstate Conference
5-7th November 2020
Charles Sykes
Natasha Shimpf
Sally Jackson
Keeden Hendriks
Haya Arzidin
Direction and Design: Jhi Rayner
Charles Sykes
Maxine Mueller
Keeden Hendriks
Marcus Wright
Sally Jackson
Natasha Shimpf
Geraldine Cutler
Director: Jhi Rayner
Lighting Design: Emma Halley
Stage Manager: Mitch Summerfield
