What is the price of internet fame? It’s a question echoed throughout theatres across the country and a must for all high school students to experience when Viral, winner of the 2016 Matilda for Best Independent Production and published by Playlab, takes to the stage at Venue 114 in Bokarina next March.
Viral is a story about Art and Zane, two boys who seek to attain internet ‘fame’ in order to become more popular at school and to make some money.
It examines the role of social media and technology and how it impacts the way we record, communicate and think about events of racism, abuse and violence in our community.
Viral directors and performers Hayden Jones and Sam Foster said the play investigates the line between disassociation and raising awareness about such events.
“It explores desensitisation, responsibility and the role of social media in our modern world,” they said.
Research for show
“During the development of Viral, we engaged with various demographics and cultural groups on the Gold Coast, to hear a diverse cross-section of perspectives concerning the themes and issues in the play. This process along with our own research raised many interesting ethical and moral questions about the role of technology, the internet and the media.”
“We wanted to create a show that raised these themes and issues in an interesting and thought-provoking way by combining episodic action that is held together by a strong narrative.”
Viral is an example of Shock Therapy Productions signature style of doing as much as possible with as little as possible and was originally funded by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
Creative Team:
Written and directed: Hayden Jones and Sam Foster
Performers: Hayden Jones and Sam Foster
Lighting design: Jason Glenwright
Sound design: Guy Webster
AV design: Nathan Sibthorpe
Dramaturgy: Veronica Neave
This show contains strobe-lighting effects and is recommended for 13+ years.
Viral was nominated for four Matilda Awards in 2016 (Best Independent Production, Best New Australian Work, Best Actor – Sam Foster and Best AV Design).
When: Friday 26 March 2021
Where: Venue114, 114 Sportsmans Parade, Bokarina www.venue114.com.au
Performance times: 10.15am and 1pm
Cost: $15
Duration: 50 minutes
*Teacher notes available and group bookings are open. BOOK NOW – 5413 1400.
