Whalebone exudes quirky fun the entire family can enjoy. Written, directed, and performed by Jens Altheimer, this immersive experience blurs the lines between science and magic – not to mention the boundary between physical and virtual worlds – through clever set design and comedic storytelling.
The show begins with bureaucratic slapstick and paper-pushing clownery, and escalates to eccentric engineering and comedic exchanges between Henry and the audience. Altheimer’s unnamed character (let’s call him Henry) elicits laughter with fourth-wall-breaking dialogue and non-stop visual gags. A surprisingly poignant ending reinforces a litany of subtle messages revolving around technology, and the importance of storytelling.
The narrative engages with the concept of memories attached to solid artefacts. Henry’s eclectically-equipped workplace is The Depository; a museum of discarded relics, each with their own unique story to tell. Henry’s job is to collect stories from a variety of discarded objects, preserving the past for posterity.
Among these artefacts is the titular whalebone, providing meaningful contrast to the plastic toys whose innate disposability renders them devoid of meaningful memories. A person-powered mechanical contraption scans the objects and displays their stories, via sepia silent film, with the help of audience volunteers.
The story takes an unexpected turn when an outdated AI shows up to challenge the status quo. This triggers suspicion in the increasingly belligerent Henry, much to the amusement of the audience, as the AI questions traditional methods and offers unsolicited advice. When a high-stakes threat takes hold, Henry must embrace new modes of thinking in order to reconcile the past with the present – a high concept premise adapted perfectly for an audience of young families.
Energetic music and diegetic sound merge with digital media, physical comedy, and an ingenious use of mechanical gadgetry. Anthropomorphic lamps, smoke-ring air cannons, and shower phones (not what you’re imagining) augment the sensational storytelling with science-y spectacle. The set – comprising an eclectic mix of unlikely contraptions and vintage technologies – is truly unique, and has the potential to inspire a passion for engineering in the young minds it captivates.
The ease with which the audience guesses a particular password (no spoilers!) serves as a reassuring reminder that our future is in good hands. Today’s kids are adaptable digital natives, able to negotiate new paradigms whilst preserving treasured traditions. This password-related instance is just one of several allegorical plot points communicated through this multilayered narrative.
Whalebone engages beautifully with the progression of technology and the importance of human storytelling, with a unique premise that captures the attention (and imagination) of its audience. Whalebone is a must-see for eccentric bureaucrats, outdated AI models, and families with kids aged 6-12.
Whalebone is on tour throughout Western Australian and Northern Territory until September. Check the website for tour dates and cities.
For tickets, check each theatre’s websites.
Website: https://www.jensaltheimer.com/whalebone
Socials: https://www.facebook.com/whalebonetheshow#
Photo credits: Kyham Ross
