Queensland Theatre Youth Ensemble 'Constellations'

Based on Nick Payne’s two-person play ‘Constellation’, this interpretation, directed by Travis Dowling, transforms the script into an ensemble piece making it accessible to youth performance groups to explore the imbedded themes of quantum physics, the multiverse, time, and the universe. Dividing the work into numerous performance parts presented the challenge of how to create a cohesive performance single event when the script, staging and performance style actively worked in opposition to the idea of singularity, due in part to the nature of the afore mentioned themes. To address the sonic element of this, the sound was designed using principles of Aural Scenography- a environmentally-aware approach to so sound design, to create a sonic experience that interconnected the themes presented in the work, with practical place settings necessary for the staging of student ensemble performance. The result was an aural narrative built on a main musical motif that continually shifted arrangements, moving from simple piano, to full orchestrations, to abstracted sound design, creating an immersive soundscape interconnected with dialogue and aural staging of the work. The resulting sonic artwork presented an example of how Aural Scenography can be used to address sonic complexities in performance environments to the advancement of performance outcomes, while working within the limited resources of Youth Theatre. Password for watching the video: Bees