Image: Ganesh Versus the Third Reich, Back to Back theatre. Photo: Jeff Busby
The work dramatises an imagined journey of Ganesh, the Hindu elephant-head god, travelling though Nazi Germany in order to take back its ancient symbol of luck: the swastika.
A play within a play structure is soon revealed, with an added layer depicting the theatrical creation of the work and a heroic battle between an everyman and an overbearing director. Through this experimental approach the actors on stage recognise their role as storytellers and begin to question their own ethics and responsibilities regarding cultural appropriation.
Carriageworks Director Lisa Havilah describes the production as an ‘installation on scale’ that stretches beyond normal theatrical conventions. ‘We’re very excited to be presenting this work for the first time in Sydney. It’s had an incredible international tour and has had incredible reviews all over the world,’ said Havilah.
After premiering at the Melbourne Festival in 2011, Ganesh Versus the Third Reich has since toured to Vienna, London and Rotterdam to critical acclaim. The production has been awarded the 2011 Age Critics’ Award, three Green Room Awards and the 2012 Helpmann for Best Play.
Back to Back theatre is a leading voice in Australia’s theatrical landscape, and is led by Artistic Director Bruce Gladwin. Founded in 1987, the company creates theatre with people perceived to have a disability. It currently has a full-time ensemble of five actors who use their position of marginality to comment on moral, philosophical and political values that affect contemporary life.
A process of research, improvisation, scripting and collaboration is undertaken by Back to Back theatre in the development of their theatrical works. This intensive and thoughtful process has led to social and culturally focused work that is now at home on the world stage.
As a creative organisation interested in innovation and critical contemporary thought, Carriageworks is excited to be presenting Ganesh Versus the Third Reich as part of their 2014 program.
‘Their (Back to Back theatre’s) work really talks on multiple levels about a whole range of issues. About difference, about inner, cultural, social, physical difference, and I just think that they’re one of the most important performance companies in Australia,’ said Havilah.
Ganesh Versus the Third Reich by Back to Back theatre will be staged at Carriageworks from 12–15 of March at 8pm. Tickets are $35.
Due to coarse language, adult themes and the portrayal of Lord Ganesh there is an age guidance of 14+.
