Immersive theatre group Teatro Vivo returns with a production called The Residents, which exploits on our darkest, most primitive fear - house prices. They say:
As the dark winter nights draw in, Teatro Vivo is inviting audiences to their most intimate show yet: a house viewing with a difference.
After staging Shakespeare in Sainsbury’s supermarkets, Mother Courage in an old weapons factory and The Odyssey on the streets of Deptford, where they performed everywhere from tattoo parlours to pubs, the acclaimed company who have a reputation for staging “theatre where you least expect it” will be inhabiting a different secret south London home each week.
In The Residents the audience, of up to 30 people a time, will become house hunters. They will be told their appointment time and the nearest train station, but will not be given the exact location until the day of the show.
After meeting estate agent, Amelia Spoke, they will enter the property and hear previous inhabitant’s stories, discovering how disturbing echoes of a places past can be felt in the present.
From a murderess who disposes of her husband, to the bizarre tale of a man who woke up one morning transformed into a beetle, and a carer who is badly in need of care herself, the audience will experience the perturbing tales of those who have resided there before.
Each location will incorporate echoes of its history through the voices and sounds of the real-life neighbours.
With the help of an immersive soundscape, a tapestry of stories will emerge allowing the bricks and mortar currently standing on the space to tell their story.
Inspired by the latest discoveries in gravitational wave technology, that open up the possibilities of multiple universes, new ways at looking at time and how the past and future collide together, The Residents will encourage the audience to consider who came before and what they may leave after they have gone.
Not suitable for under 12s.
The Residents will be directed by Sophie Austin. Sophie has worked for The Royal Court, the Young Vic, Told by an Idiot, and Sonia Friedman Productions. She is artistic director of Teatro Vivo.
LISTINGS: The Residents Monday 14 November - Saturday 3 December. Mondays - Fridays, 7.30pm. Saturdays, 3.30pm, 6.30pm & 8.30pm.
Tickets £14 / £10 concs. Ages 12+. Booking:
www.thealbany.org.uk | 020 8692 4446 | The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, London SE8 4AG.