Psychonaut Theatre are an international multidisciplinary performance collective with an experimental style and a new show heading to the stage. Described as “a futuristic, witty and radical exploration of collective responsibility”, “The W.I.G of Life: A Conference” will play at Camden People’s Theatre from 29th-30th August, and at the Etcetera Theatre from 7th-8th September thereafter. Here, two of the show’s three creators and performers, Arielle Zilkha and Francesca Fatichenti, chat about the collective and its core principals, the thrill of audience interaction and what they hope to achieve with this show…
Let’s start at the start: tell me a little bit about The W.I.G of Life: A Conference.
AZ: The W.I.G of Life is an interactive conference, set in the not-so-distant future, where biological life is extinct and the world is ruled by an AI network. One living organism has been found which has the power to bring all biological life back, and the audience have the duration of the conference to decide whether the being should live and biological life should be given another chance, or whether it should die, and biological life will never return. Throughout the conference, a cast of three performers, as AI bots, perform evidence for the audience from history to help them make their decision. This evidence ranges from a film noir to a game show and puppetry, spanning from the neolithic to the present day and beyond.
The audience really has the power to influence the journey of the conference, up until the very last moment, which is definitely exciting for us, and hopefully exciting for them too. We’re inviting them into a simulated reality, where they can create their own avatar, meet their fellow programs, and make individual and collective decisions that all lead towards the final decision on biological life.
What’s the most important thing you want people to know about this show and its intentions?
FF: The show’s intention is to make people reflect and have fun at the same time. We want the audience to take a look at humanity from an external perspective, and this way we hope to offer an alternative point of view on issues such as climate change, biodiversity, art, technological and economic development and, ultimately, the concept of right and wrong. Our show is a tour de force of creativity and innovation, and we hope first and foremost to entertain and delight.
How does this piece relate to your previous work – is this new territory or more of a natural progression?
AZ: Because Psychonaut is a collective, the creative team is not always the same, so it’s inevitable that stylistically the work will change depending on the project. Comparing to our previous theatre production, Mums, The W.I.G of Life couldn’t be any more different! However, in all our work, we strive to experiment with the barriers of theatre, pushing to explore its uniqueness as a live art form. Our core principles evolve around liveness and creating live events, and by doing so, we aim to invite the audience into the reality of this event at all times.
How would you describe the style of The W.I.G of Life? Can we expect music, physical theatre, circus or abstract performance art at the helm?
AZ: There’s definitely something for everyone! Though the main genre is interactive theatre, within the show there’s dance, music, comedy, song, puppetry, object theatre and physical theatre amongst others. So a wide mix of genres!
Can audiences expect light and dark or is this show intentionally all of one, none of the other?
FF: With our show being an interactive performance, the participants will get to choose how light or dark they want it to be. The audience’s participation will determine not only the tone of the show, making it different every night, but also the final outcome of the show: they will choose what kind of ending they prefer. We contemplate one, none, and the other throughout the whole show, and let you choose which one in the end.
Some quick-fire questions now. Best show you’ve seen this year? (AZ)
AZ: Has to be ‘Titans’ at the Coronet Theatre, or ‘Lucy and Friends’ at the Pleasance Theatre.
Best advice you’ve ever been given when it comes to theatre-making?
AZ: Katie Mitchell once said to me: ‘resist the pressure to conform to the mainstream’. It’s something that I keep reminding myself when I approach any project.
The one thing you’d like the power to improve in the industry?
FF: I would love to see an industry where the offer corresponds to the demand. I don’t know how that is possible, but it’s just very sad to see so many talents wasted doing a job they have no passion for.
Your own tastes and influences when it comes to theatre/ live work?
FF: I love good art. Good art is when all contributors have put in the artwork at the top of their poetic inspiration and the top of their abilities. Shows I’ll never forget: Richard III by Ostermaier, Slava’s Snow Show, Giulia Lazzarini in Muri. In terms of genre, I love popular theatre and popular performances, and shows that are small and manage to make the audience breathe like one.
And finally, what would your advice be to up and coming creatives?
FF: Anytime you’re doing something, can be anything, take a glimpse at yourself: how much pleasure are you taking from it? Do this game with yourself as often as you can. You will discover something.
So there you have it! You can catch “The W.I.G of Life: A Conference” at Camden People’s Theatre from 29th-30th August 2023, and at the Etcetera Theatre from 7th-8th September thereafter – more information and tickets can be found here. You can also keep up to date with all things Psychonaut Theatre via their website.
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