Nataliya Oryshchuk. Photographer: Theuns Verwoerd
Beautiful Disaster Strikes Wellington
Christchurch crew brings a china-smashing story of fear, tea, disasters and freedom
“Do you believe in disasters? In Christchurch, we do” – says Nataliya Oryshchuk, the producer and the lead actress of
the show My Beautiful Disaster.
After its first successful season in Christchurch, My Beautiful Disaster is coming to the Wellington Fringe Festival, at
the Gryphon Theatre, 14-17 February 2013 at 6.30pm. The Christchurch performers are keen to share their story with a
Wellington audience.
... Lonely Fillyjonk lives in a big house by the sea. Surrounded by her lovely tea cups and other knick-knacks, she is
deeply afraid of the unknown disaster that creeps closer with every tick of the clock…
Based on Tove Jansson’s short story "The Fillyjonk Who Believed in Disasters", the show strongly relates to
Christchurch’s earthquake experiences. At times funny, at times frightening, it combines comedy, drama and physical
theatre to tell the story of imaginary and real disasters.
Members of the Christchurch audience commented:
“So expressive, so personal, such huge onstage personality. A delightful piece of theatre/performance art reflecting on
the power of catastrophe as a cathartic release from fear, routine, mundanity…” (Daniel Webster, Christchurch)
“Crisp, honest, never pretentious and a bit different. This piece is a cameo: a very pure and simple little story with
a gloriously real and affirming end… It is a beautiful, moving thing to see and share” (Nona Verwoerd, Canterbury)
“Excellent show! Didn't know what to expect and was very pleasantly surprised. Great visuals and some nice eerie moods”
(John Boyce, Christchurch)
This physical theatre project was awarded the 2012 Scribble Circus Fund and features Ukrainian-born theatre and circus
performer Nataliya Oryshchuk (Fillyjonk, producer, script-writer), actress Stephanie Cusick (Gaffsie), and Christchurch
dancers and acrobats Cameron Mason, Samantha Guest and Angela Hegarty (Creepy-Crawlies). Co-directed by Nataliya
Oryshchuk and Damien McGrath. Original soundscape is created by Christchurch musician and composer Charlotte Crone.
From left to right: Bridget Flanagan, Jessie Carson, Jaine Mieka, Cameron Mason. Photographer: Theuns Verwoerd.
It is a family friendly show, though young children might find some scenes frightening. Recommended age: PG10. Duration
approximately 40 minutes. Tickets $15/$12. Book on Dash tickets: http://www.dashtickets.co.nz/
Website: https://www.facebook.com/BookDisaster