Geelong’s Back to Back Theatre has gained its fair share of international acclaim over the years, culminating in an illustrious Golden Lion award for lifetime achievement in theatre at this year’s Venice Biennale. For 30-plus years, the company has been exploring the personal and political through its works, driven by an ensemble who identify with having an intellectual disability or as neurodivergent.
This May and June, Back to Back Theatre is partnering with Malthouse Theatre to present its first new production since the Biennale, and its first major work by new directors in 17 years. Multiple Bad Things takes a deep dive into the big questions of inclusion and identity in the workplace with direction from Back to Back artistic associates Tamara Searle and Ingrid Voorendt. Three employees played by Simon Laherty, Sarah Mainwaring and Scott Price struggle to work together. What happens when civility slips and the witching hour approaches?
Known for its provocative works, Back to Back Theatre describes the setting of Multiple Bad Things as “the workplace at the end of the world”. Bad behaviour will escalate and they’ll say what you’ve already been thinking. So, who will be the scapegoat when things fall apart?
Multiple Bad Things is playing at Malthouse’s Merlyn Theatre from May 29 until June 9. Tickets are on sale now at the Malthouse website.
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