Paradise Lost by Bloomshed | 20 - 30 July 2022
Bloomshed tackles God.
Presented by Darebin Arts Speakeasy
Adam and Eve are really digging Paradise. They’re happy, super happy in their airtight bubbleland. There’s no judgement here. No shame. It’s the perfect place for some relentless fornication.
But nothing this good lasts long.
Satan’s sick of the cherubs getting stuck in the ventilation shafts. He tries to complain but God chucks him out. In hell, a napalm covered wonderland, Satan hatches a master plan. And so the fall begins.
PARADISE LOST is a satirical adaptation about the narcissism of creation and our fading hope for the future.
Bloomshed creates cutting edge, political satire, energising classic texts through physical comedy and outrageous dance breaks. PARADISE LOST is a whirlwind ride through creation: it took God seven days, it’ll take us just under an hour.
“BLOOMSHED HAVE ESTABLISHED THEMSELVES FIRMLY AS EXPERTS IN REANIMATING CLASSIC TEXTS TO CREATE CUTTING, POLITICAL CONTEMPORARY THEATRE.” ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ THEATRE PEOPLE
“POLITICAL THEATRE DREDGED FROM THE CRISIS OF LATE CAPITALISM” ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ THE AGE
“GENRE-DEFYING” ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ THEATRE NOW SYDNEY
Show warnings: coarse language, smoke and haze effects, strobe effects, loud noises, choreographed violence, mature themes and sexual references.
Approximate running time: 60mins
REVIEWS
"There is much to recommend in this production, not least of which are the remarkable set design by Nathan Burmeister and the inspired and hilarious opening that features lighting trickery designed by John Collopy." - The Age ★★★1/2
"If you’re looking for a first play to introduce someone to the world of independent theater, or you're a seasoned vet looking for something new to sink your teeth into, Paradise Lost, and The Bloomshed are not to be ignored." - Theatre Thoughts ★★★★
“With live theatre slowly coming back to life, it's exciting to see companies like The Bloomshed not only returning to the stage but returning to the stage with such vigour.” – My Melbourne Arts
Creative Team
Created by James Jackson, Elizabeth Brennan, Justin Gardam, John Collopy, James Malcher, Emily O'Connor, Edan Goodall and Zachary Dunbar.
Sound Designer/Dramaturg: Justin Gardam
Lighting Designer: John Collopy
Set & Costume Designer: Nathan Burmeister
Set & Costume Designer Associates: Samantha Hastings and Harry Gill
Producer: Sophie Ashkanasy
Associate Producer: Ana Zhang
Stage Manager: Sam Nix
Eve: Elizabeth Brennan
Adam: Edan Goodall
Archangel Lucifer: James Jackson
The Scribe: Anna Louey
Our Lord God John Milton: James Malcher
Archangel Michael: Emily O’Connor
Jesus: Sam Nix
Standby Cover: Laura Aldous
Image by Gregory Lorenzutti