'At the cutting edge of theatre and technology, re:group’s Coil endeared itself to audiences at the Sydney Opera House in 2022. Now this captivatingly clever and entertaining work is set to take Wollongong back to the glory days of video stores – before they were killed by streaming.
'Beginning as a popular Wollongong-based performance collective, and now nationally recognised, re:group’s work has been nurtured through Merrigong’s artist development programs (Route Dash Niner, 2016/2017; Tom William Mitchell, 2018; UFO, 2022). In Coil they create an experience both gobsmackingly ingenious in its execution, whilst being funny, warm-hearted and deeply resonant. Coil reflects upon the joys, perils and pitfalls of nostalgia, and how we grapple with goodbyes.
'Inspired by the highs and lows of pop culture and the near-to-home closure of Leading Edge video store in Thirroul, re:group mash theatre and movie-making together to create something immersive, irreverent, and inherently live.'
Source: Merrigong Theatre program (season 2023).
Presented by re:group at Merrigon Theatre (Bruce Gordon Theatre), 26-29 July 2023.
Video Designer: Solomon Thomas.
Automation Programmer: Chris Howell.
Sound Designer: Liam “Snowy” Halliwell.
Set Realisation: Alistair Davies.
Creative Producer: Malcolm Whittaker.
Cast: Solomon Thomas, Carly Young, Steve Wilson-Alexander.