A period of great uncertainty for both baby and carer – the first 12 months of an infant’s life – has inspired a new immersive sensory theatre performance at Arts Centre Melbourne from 28 June – 2 July. An Uncertain Time, part of Arts Centre Melbourne’s Families and Children Program, was created by performance maker Sarah Austin using elements of song, sound, physical theatre, and object puppetry to create a narrative journey for babies aged 0-12 months and their carers.
The work explores ideas of love, loss, hope and uncertainty through a tactile, sensory, and visual experience that will captivate babies and adults alike.
Sarah Austin is an award-winning theatremaker and researcher with specific expertise in collaborating with children and young people to create contemporary performance work.
“Neuroscience tells us that critical neural pathways are formed in the first three years of life. “Providing infants with quality arts and cultural experience fosters their understanding of beauty, belonging and story,” said Austin.
“This work ponders the infinite possibility and potentiality of early childhood as well as the responsibility of caring for a new life in an ever-changing and often unstable global environment.”
An Uncertain Time uses child-led approaches to participation and engagement and is designed in response to clinical research into child development and the formation of neural pathways.
The production is by Performing Lines and will be presented as part of Arts Centre Melbourne’s year-round Families and Children Program. Launched in August 2009, it has grown in reputation to become a highly respected program nationally and internationally. Featuring intimate and large-scale theatre from some of the world’s most respected companies and a diverse range of interactive workshops, the program is robust and growing in size, scale and scope.
The performance runs for approximately 30 minutes with optional play time available for babies and carers afterwards.
Arts Centre Melbourne presents
An Uncertain Time
By Sarah Austin and Co
Produced by Performing Lines
Playhouse Rehearsal Room | 28 June – 2 July 2023
For more information visit artscentremelbourne.com.au
Creative Team
Creator Sarah Austin
Performers Niow and Lauren Sheree
Designer Rainbow Sweeny
Costume Designer Niow
Lighting Design Richard Vabre
Composition and Sound Design Madeleine Flynn & Tim Humphries
Produced by Performing Lines
An Uncertain Time is produced by Performing Lines. The premiere season was supported by Besen Family Foundation and Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body, as well as Darebin City Council through the FUSE Fund.
Creator Sarah Austin
Performers Niow and Lauren Sheree
Designer Rainbow Sweeny
Costume Designer Niow
Lighting Design Richard Vabre
Composition and Sound Design Madeleine Flynn & Tim Humphries
Produced by Performing Lines
An Uncertain Time is produced by Performing Lines. The premiere season was supported by Besen Family Foundation and Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body, as well as Darebin City Council through the FUSE Fund.
Photo credit: Pia Johnson
