Info
Please note the 10AM performance of Whalebone has been cancelled. Tickets are still available for the 6PM show.
The Art House presents
Whalebone
Featuring dazzling video and computer animations, flying objects and a pinch of circus, this richly visual theatrical experience takes kids and adults alike on a roller-coaster ride.
Whalebone is filled with eccentric contraptions, strange machinery, and clunky inventions, including the world’s first half-human juggling machine!
Nestled in the mysterious ‘Depository’, meet a lone worker with a mission. In a world where AI and machines are going rogue and making more and more decisions for us, he tries to safeguard human stories, memories, and emotions. Laugh out loud, gasp in awe, and let your imagination soar.
Whalebone will ignite the curiosity of young aspiring inventors, as well as everyone who loves stories and wonders. It invites audiences to ponder the role of technology in our lives, sparking conversations about what really defines us as humans.
“This is the kind of show your kids will love. It is full of junk, fantastical objects, artificial intelligence, drama, thrills, and puzzle solving.”
– Samsara Dunston ★ ★ ★ ★
“WHALEBONE’ is a real imagination buzz from start to finish. This is a perfect show for everyone, no matter what age, to be introduced to wonder and imagination through theatre"
- Janice Haynes, Forge Theatre and Arts Hub Manager
*note: This event will take place in our Studio (directly opposite the café/bar). The Studio is General Admission unassigned seating. Please choose a seat from the seating bank upon arrival.
Cast & Creatives
Nominated for the Green Room Awards, Best Set and Costume Design.
Performed by the imaginative mind of clown, tinkerer, inventor, and comedian Jens Altheimer, winner of the Adelaide Fringe Award for Best Production for Children with Squaring the Wheel and nominated for the same award with Loose Ends.
Reviews
– Samsara Dunston ★ ★ ★ ★
“WHALEBONE’ is a real imagination buzz from start to finish. This is a perfect show for everyone, no matter what age, to be introduced to wonder and imagination through theatre"
- Janice Haynes, Forge Theatre and Arts Hub Manager
"WHALEBONE is smart, funny and inventive theatre. The show is a wonder; fabulous entertainment for young people from a broad range of ages, with much to enjoy for their adults. Jens has found a sweet spot in exploring a complex idea whilst providing a thoroughly enjoyable hour in his company. It's terrific fun with many ideas to take home."
- Graham Coffey, Independent Arts Administrator
"WHALEBONE is a clever, witty , endearing work about the recollection and passing on of precious memories and stories to future generations. A great, fun show for young people to consider the ethics and boundaries around coexistence with artificial intelligence. "
- Jodee Mundy, Fuse Festival, City of Darebin
"I wish your inventions could be made real and we could collect and save memories that we touch, live with, connect to and share them. I just want to say thank you for being you, so creative and generous and bringing to life an idea that I wish looked like and worked like you showed today in WHALEBONE. "
- Mandy Ellerton, Audience member and Grandmother
