The Wider Earth recounts 'in epic form a scientific voyage of discovery that would, in the end, rock the foundations of religion and revolutionise scientific thought.' Over two hours, and with the incorporation of puppetry, writer/director David Morton focuses 'unwaveringly on Darwin’s journey from dilettantish family disgrace to tormented scientific pioneer thrown headlong into conflict with God' (Buzzacott).
In his review of the 2016 premiere production Martin Buzacott writes of the production's conception:
The kicker comes with the puppetry, beautifully rendered moving incarnations of the wildlife that inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution. These gorgeous and charming creations (in part inspired by Handspring Puppet Company in Cape Town) not only captivate the audience’s imagination but, through theatrical estrangement, constantly reinforce the diversity, beauty and wonder of the natural world.
Entranced by the big picture horizons of galaxies and maps projected on to the cavernous Bille Brown Studio walls, the audience journeys with Darwin on the Beagle’s voyage in which 19th-century Bible-bashing runs headlong into evidence contradicting inherited belief (Australian 18 July 2016).
Produced by Queensland Theatre Company and Dead Puppet Society at the Bille Brown Studio, Brisbane; 14 July - 7 August 2016
Director/Co-Designer/Puppet Designer: David Morton.
Creative Producer/Puppet Fabricator: Nicholas Paine.
Co-Designer: Aaron Barton.
Lighting Designer: David Walters.
Co-Composers: Lior and Tony Buchen.
Sound Designer: Tony Brumpton.
AV/Animation: Designer Justin Harrison.
Dramaturg: Louise Gough.
Assistant Puppet Coach: Helen Stephens.
Stage Manager: Jodie Roche-Jones.
Assistant Stage Manager/Sound Operator: Sam Maher.
Cast: Margi Brown Ash (Reverend John Henslow/John Herschel), Tom Conroy (Charles Darwin), Lauren Jackson (Emma Wedgwood), Thomas Larkin (John Wickham), David Lynch (Richard Matthews/Robert Darwin), Jonty Martin (Jemmy Button), Anthony Standish (Robert Fitzroy), Anna Straker (Polly/Puppet Captain), and Robert Coleby (Voice of old Darwin).
Presented by Merrigong Theatre Company (as a Dead Puppet Society, Trish Wadley Productions, and Glass Half Full Productions production) at IMB Theatre, Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, 16 - 19 March 2022.
Director & Co-Designer: David Morton.
Creative Producer: Nicholas Paine.
Associate Director: Matt Seery.
Co-Designer: Aaron Barton.
Composers: Lior and Tony Buchen.
Sound Designer: Tony Brumpton.
Associate Sound Designer: Brady Watkins.
Projection Designer: Justin Harrison.
Associate Lighting Designer: Christine Felmingham.
Dramaturg: Louise Gough.
Christopher Currie visits the duo behind a production that explores Charles Darwin’s voyage aboard the HMS Beagle.
Preview of the 2016 world premiere season (Bille Brown Studio, Brisbane; 14 July - 7 August).
Preview of the 2016 world premiere season (Bille Brown Studio, Brisbane; 14 July - 7 August).
Review of the 2016 world premiere season (Bille Brown Studio, Brisbane; 14 July - 7 August).
Review of the 2016 world premiere season (Bille Brown Studio, Brisbane; 14 July - 7 August).
Review of the 2016 world premiere season (Bille Brown Studio, Brisbane; 14 July - 7 August).
Preview of the 2016 world premiere season (Bille Brown Studio, Brisbane; 14 July - 7 August).
Preview of the 2016 world premiere season (Bille Brown Studio, Brisbane; 14 July - 7 August).
Christopher Currie visits the duo behind a production that explores Charles Darwin’s voyage aboard the HMS Beagle.
