We’re mid-way through construction of Terrapin’s new schools touring show. Space Neighbours, written by Nathan Maynard, is set in an alien gaseous world and rich in fart jokes, with an undercurrent of hard truths about invasion.
I’ve tried to design the show to be minimal in impact and maximal in presence, using inflatables for the set, made from new fabric to guarantee they’ll work every time and last through hundreds of shows. This will pack down small and light for travelling, massively reducing emissions from freight, and go easy on the performers during installation so they can save their energy for the show.
The rest is made from offcuts, salvage and secondhand materials: the alien costumes are an experiment in designing to make use of small remnants.
Working alongside me are Greta Jean, Freya Piscioneri-Young and Lucienne Solliere, with a web of support from Terrapin staff. There’s a lot of hand sewing going on.
