Bek Berger

META s a new contemporary performance piece – inspired by Kafka’s short story Metamorphosis. META investigates the Other and the isolation that occurs when borders are drawn between human beings & the brutal consequences that emerge both for the persecutor & the persecuted. Presented as part of the Malthouse Helium Season, META will run from October 22-Nov 1^st.


Joshua Ferenbach – as the Manager.

META reimagines the given circumstances of the Samsa family in Kafka’s world- drawing on his central characters but placing them in a contemporary nightmare- where time & place are abrupt & impossible. This reimagining of Kafka’s work is highly original in both its content & form- whilst still highlighting Kafka’s enduring ideas about the paralysis of shame & the devastating effects that occur when one is unable to face the disgust & fear that haunts them.


Aaron Orzech – as Gregor.

We really need your help to make this show something spectacular!! We have a dream team of artists and collaborators including - Romanie Harper designing a truly imaginative set, James Paul designing an evocative sound score and Amelia Lever Davidson beautifully lighting the work. Your money will go directly to helping these emerging designers create a truly spectacular world for the show to exist within.

The rest of our team includes an all-star cast – Liz Jones, John Flaus, Mary Helen Sassman, Aaron Orzech and Josh Ferenbach.


Mary Helen Sassman – as Grete.


Liz Jones as Mother and Josh Ferenbach as the Lodger.


META speaks directly to contemporary Australian issues of shame & the action of Othering. It is undeniable that within the current landscape of Australia, alienation & exclusion are re-emerging as ugly & shameful cultural characteristics, forcing us to ‘get real’ about our cultural identity. The ‘Other’ whether arriving by boat, whether wanting to marry someone of the same sex, whether wearing a skin of a darker shade –unveils an insatiable need for control & security within our society, limiting the possibilities of a free & tolerant nation. Kafka wrote at a time of extreme persecution- a history that feels frighteningly contemporary.

Liz Jones as Mother and John Flaus as Father


Team:
Conceived by Samara Hersch
Inspired Franz Kafka's short story Metamorphosis.
Directed by Samara Hersch
Produced by
Bek Berger
Set and Costume Romanie Harper
Lighting Design Amelia Lever-Davidson
Sound Design James Paul
Stage Manager Ainsley Kerr
Performed and co-devised by Josh Ferenbach John Flaus, Liz Jones, Aaron Orzech and Mary Helen Sassman
Dramaturg David Woods.
Special thanks to other collaborators: Karen Sibbing, Syd Brisbane, Emma Hall, Marco Cher-Gibard, Susie Dee and Claudio Tocco



Aaron Orzech as Gregor.

We need your financial support to help realize the full potential of the work. We have really exciting and bold design ideas – and your support (large or small) will go towards realizing the design elements of the show including costumes, set design, original sound design and lighting.

Breakdown of remaining costs:
Set Design - $2000
Costume - $500.
Lighting equipment - $750
Sound equipment- $750.

Like most independent productions money is a huge obstacle. People power just isn't enough sometimes.

If provided with enough funding we will be able to realize an exciting, original and important new theatre work – that is inclusive of a range of performers, adding to the diversity of contemporary Australian story telling.