Inspired by the book The Flat, the theatrical stage and dance performance Never Did Me Any Harm is a tale about parenting and the many different perspectives on the role of a parent.
The show is directed by Kate Champion who individually interviewed hundreds of different people to gain their perspective on parenthood.
The show uses the interviews to form dialogue and begin discussions on the topic from every point of view.
The show stars dancer and choreographer Kristina Chan who has previously worked with the Sydney Dance Company and danced with the Australian Ballet.
Ms Chan said the story of Never Did Me Any Harm is universal because everyone has experiences with parents and parenthood.
“Because people all have some kind of connection to parents, because people are parents, have had parents, have friends that are parents there’s really something that speaks to everyone in the story,” Ms Chan said.
“It’s about modern day parenting and the different view points on how to be a parent.”
Ms Chan said even though the tale delves into some deep themes with dialogue from real-life interviews, the dance in the performance adds to the discussion in a way normal text can’t.
“I think the body speaks in a way that regular language can’t and I think in this case it really enriches the story and helps the actors on stage convey the emotion the characters are feeling,” she said.
Ms Chan said the story takes place entirely in a back yard but the single setting builds on the story thematically.
“The stage is incredibly detailed and really takes the elements beyond the text’s themes, it’s funny and dark so anyone interested in theatre is going to like it,” she said.
Ms Chan also said because the work touches on so many different aspects of parenthood she hopes it leaves audiences thinking and reevaluating their own thoughts on the topic.
“I feel once the show is over there’s a question lingering.”
Never Did Me Any Harm comes to the BREC on September 15, for more info visit bunburyentertainment.com