Madame Blavatsky and the Astral Light
As part of NZ Fringe 2014, Julia Campbell and Catherine Swallow present Madame
Blavatsky and the Astral Light, a new theatre work written by Renee Gerlich.
Directed by Campbell and Swallow, the play will be staged atop the Wellington Botanic Gardens, in a marquee in
partnership with Carter Observatory. The show will be accessible to a wide audience including families, with entry by
koha to ensure affordability for all potential attendees. A perfect opportunity to ride the cable car and explore the
astral lights of the universe at Carter Observatory.
"Its great to have the support of Carter Observatory and Wellington Museums Trust" says Swallow. "We are really excited
to be presenting theatre outside in a marquee. It gives us so much freedom. We are hoping the audience will enjoy it as
much as we do!"
About the show
Occultist and mystic Helena P. Blavatsky (1831-1891) sought to unify scientific and spiritual investigation in an
attempt to reach a universal brotherhood of followers.
She conducted seances, summoned spirits and claimed to be able to astrally project herself from one place to another.
Contemporary and historic interpretations paint a divisive picture of this formidable woman. This new work focuses on
Blavatsky’s life and character in parallel with significant developments in the physics of the time, particularly the
distribution of electricity by Thomas Edison and his contemporaries. She was the co-founder of the Theosophical Society
which still exists today.
"We want to explore the idea another, unseen world" says Campbell "Blavatsky claimed a connection with this unseen world
and we want to look at whether this was true or the product of the strong imagination of a gifted storyteller. We hope
that it will turn out to be a bit of both!"
Performers use puppets, physical theatre, music and human-generated electrical sources to explore Blavatsky’s influence
on significant thinkers of the time, including the poet WB Yeats. Using a variety of non-traditional electrical effects,
we will explore what it may have been like for nineteenth century travelling players.
Performance dates are:
February 13, 14, 15, 16
7pm
2pm show Friday/ Saturday
Carter Observatory
Entry by Koha
ends