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Click here to view a 5 minute promo (opens in a new window)

Explosion Therapy is an intoxicating world where the characters leap between a film screen and the stage, as though the two spaces are one. It borrows from the world of cartoons and vaudeville. Objects and puppets emerge from the most unlikely places as the entire theatre comes alive.

Explosion Therapy is about accepting one’s lot in life and learning to use our weaknesses as our strengths. Very simply put, the show uses video animation to ‘explode’ the performers into puppets which are manifestations of their psychological selves!

A 5m film screen externalises the internal lives of the show’s characters. The characters walk on and off the screen cutting between pre-recorded images in a seamless edit between real life and film. Once the characters are on screen, and become a digital image, anything can and does happen. The screen has a persona of its own and is cruel to be kind. It sends the characters on a journey of self-discovery where they learn to accept themselves for who they are.

Explosion Therapy is a like a live cartoon. The interaction between the film and the stage is unique and captivating to watch. Audiences both laugh and are moved but are always amazed at how the visual world is created.

Explosion Therapy is theatre for the whole family (4 years+)

After premiering in Hobart in January 2008, Explosion Therapy was presented in April at the UNIMA World Congress and Festival in Perth. It then toured to China in July to be presented at the Shanghai Grand Theatre as part of the Shanghai International Children’s Theatre Festival, where it received the Excellent Production award.

In 2009, Explosion Therapy was performed at the Arts Centre, Melbourne from 12-15 May and the Come Out Festival, Adelaide, from 19-22 May.

Concept and Direction: Frank Newman
Performed by Sara Cooper, Leeroy Hart, Mel King and Laura Purcell
Animator and Illustrator: Mark Cornelius, Clockwork Beehive
Designer: Roz Wren
Lighting Designer: Daniel Zika
Sound and Music: Charles Du Cane

The tour to China was made possible thanks to The WD Booth Charitable Trust, the Australia-China Council, and through Arts Tasmania by the Minister for Environment, Parks, Heritage and the Arts.