Inspired by the short story Mister Squishy by cult US writer David Foster Wallace, Focus Group* is an absurd comedy with a dark heart, exploring the absurdity of modern life and consumer culture with humanity and humour. It is dark, unsettling and playful. The production celebrates the human drive to continue in what can feel like an increasingly remote reality.
Through Toot's distinctive style of interactive performance, the company provokes audiences to consider whether a real connection is possible at all.
Sit back, eat (individually wrapped, luxury) cake, and see a man gradually relinquish the delusion that he matters in the slightest.... And then go back to watching kitten videos on Facebook.
TRAILER
CREDITS
Created & Directed by
Stu Barter
Clare Dunn
Terry O'Donovan
Performed by
Stu Barter
Clare Dunn
Terry O'Donovan
Producer
Faith Dodkins
Lighting & Set Design
Jackie Shemesh
Composer & Sound Designer
Stu Barter
Production Manager
Kady Howey Nunn
Supporters
An Ovalhouse co-production, seed commissioned by South Street Arts Centre with Derby Theatre, The New Wolsey & Shoreditch Town Hall.
PERFOMANCE HISTORY
July 2017
The Old Market, Brighton
May 2017
The Lowry, Salford
Shoreditch Town Hall, London
February 2017
South Street, Reading
Derby Theatre, Derby
Lincoln Performing Arts Centre, Lincoln
January 2017
Ovalhouse, London
January/Feburary 2016
South Street, Reading