Become immersed in Stranger-than-fiction stories inspired by real Novocastrians
Take a seat on the Baths’ beloved aquamarine concrete bleachers, don a pair of headphones, and become immersed in stranger-than-fiction stories inspired by real Novocastrians. Meet Me At The Baths is a brand new site-specific work presented by local powerhouse theatre company Whale Chorus.
Playwright Ang Collins (Spewy) and director Janie Gibson (Voices of Joan) join forces to showcase a tapestry of local stories using the stunning backdrop of the Newcastle Ocean Baths to amplify this special place’s untold stories.
For over 100 years, locals and visitors alike have soaked in the magic of the Newcastle Ocean Baths. Join the ensemble of four actors as they dive deep into serendipitous moments, nostalgic memories and hilarious hijinks in a tidal wave of life’s big changes.
Created in collaboration with community and mixed with gorgeous live soundscapes direct to your eardrums, Meet Me At The Baths is a heart-first plunge into life’s changing rhythms, the healing properties of salt water swims and the radical public power of our city’s iconic ocean pool.
Local stories of love, loss, healing and change sparkle against the stunning backdrop of the Baths. Bring your cossies and take a dip at the end!
★★★★★
“It is quite a spiritual production after all, encouraging us to feel more at one with nature and the natural cycle of things”
★★★★
“The perfect piece to celebrate the egalitarian vibe, history and
importance of Newcastle’s Ocean Baths to the community”
“In it’s simplicity, it revealed our complexity. Everyone has a story”
“Some very charming site specific theatre”
“A gleeful secret glimpse into the strength of place and belonging”
“When the music starts, it’s like there’s a film lens on the Baths”
“Trips to the baths will be imbued with greater meaning as a result”
Team
Director & Devisor
Janie Gibson
Writer & Devisor
Ang Collins
Actors & Devisors
Barney Donaghy, Jim Lawson, Katia Molino & Stephanie Rochet
Music Composition & Sound Design
Liesl Pieterse
Costume Design
Elizaveta Pepelyaeva
Movement Direction
Angie Diaz
Production Management & Producing
Becky Russell
Audio Technician
Joshua Ingle
Production Assistant
Hannah Armstrong
Supported By
City of Newcastle, New Annual & Civic Theatre
