NCEA Level 1 drama students were thrilled to attend the opening night performance of Butterfly Flutters January Burns at the University of Otago's Allen Hall.
A PhD graduate, a divorcee, a grieving student and a ghost find a common thread within a chaotic universe
Butterfly Flutters / January Burns was proudly presented by Localised Friday, as their debut show on Tuesday 19th March. The performance is part theatre, part scientific theory, and part storytelling. Using elements of physical theatre, character-driven narrative and projections, the show introduced the principle of Chaos Theory to a theatrical form, unpicking the humanity that underpins science.
Localised Friday is a theatrical ensemble based in Ōtepoti Dunedin. It was founded in 2023 by Kaiser Coles, Ella Kalmakoff, Tabitha Littlejohn and Ray Spence following the University of Otago course, Theatre from Science. The group intertwines science and theatre with the hope that both the general public and scientists can gain a new perspective on the world around them.
Year 11 drama students were drawn into the performance, with one saying he wished the show was even longer, after connecting with the characters and story, he was left with wanting more. After the show, students participated in a 20 minute Question and Answer session downstairs in the Allen Hall Rehearsal room, with other drama students from Logan Park High School.
The function of theatre is a powerful one. Live performance can not only entertain, but it can also educate, heal, and transform. Whether audience members had a background in science and mathematics or not, everyone in the Allen Hall theatre was certain to find something that captured their sense of imagination and wonder for the universe in this show. The Fringe Festival production was a great experience for all involved.
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