Locked-In is a multidisciplinary, physical performance exploring human connection, communication and our sensory and extrasensory experience of the physical world.

Locked In takes inspiration from two true stories “Ghost Boy” by Martin Pistorius and “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly” by Jean-Dominique Bauby who both shared their experiences of living with Locked-In Syndrome in memoir. Locked-in syndrome? (LIS) is a condition in which a patient is aware but cannot move or communicate verbally due to complete paralysis of nearly all voluntary muscles in the body except for the eyes. These two stories epitomised hope and gratitude under the most extreme adversity. Yet in this living hell there seemed to be an untapped reservoir of human imagination.

Locked-In is a multidisciplinary, physical performance exploring human connection, communication and our sensory and extrasensory experience of the physical world. This is a challenging story of love, commitment and tragedy while at the same time an inquiry into the way in which we perceive (or fail to perceive) the beauty and detail of the world around us.

The production incorporates animation and AV projection and is scored by evocative and spacious music created by Guy Webster, giving voice to the rich internal landscape of a man who has no means of normal communication.

Directed by Veronica Neave Co-created by Sam Foster and Veronica Neave

Venue Format
Theatre, Black Box Venue
Technical Rating
C
Touring Party
4
Considerations

This show is suitable for ages 13+ It requires front projection. Shock Therapy will provide projector but venue must provide appropriate FOH rigging for projector and cabling runs to tech box. LX pre-rig required.

Shock Therapy Productions is a Gold Coast born arts company founded in January 2015 by Sam Foster and Hayden Jones.

Shock Therapy Productions has quickly established itself as a leading company in the delivery of high quality, relevant, multidisciplinary performance, and a leader in the Arts and Culture sector on the Gold Coast and in South East Queensland.

Company founders Sam Foster and Hayden Jones have a wealth of industry experience, artistic vision and enthusiasm that drives the ethos of the company.

Shock Therapy Production’s vision is to create Provocative Arts Experiences, through story telling that explores what it is to be human - provocative, challenging, uplifting and impactful.

Shock Therapy have been awarded the Matilda Award for Best Independent Production 3 times and have also been finalists in the Gold Coast Young Entrepreneurs Awards twice.

The company currently receives Triennial Operational funding from the City of Gold Coast.

Shock Therapy’s work has been commissioned by major festivals, been published by Playlab, toured both nationally and internationally and been acclaimed by audiences and critics alike.

Company Website
shocktherapyproductions.com.au

Unique Selling Point

The process by which we tried to bring the sentiments of the two books to life on the stage was based on tasked based improvisation. Starting with extensive research into Locked-In Syndrome and visceral provocations from the books themselves specific physical tasks were set and investigated through improvisation. Because Locked-In Syndrome robs the person of language it was a conscious decision to not rely on words but to create a script of physical connections. The limitations of the condition encouraged us to re-imagine silence and awakened our senses to the infinite possibilities hidden in the stillness.

Marketing Materials

  • Marketing copy
  • Poster image
  • Production stills
  • Promo footage (trailer)
  • International reviews
  • Technical documents
  • Program notes
  • Development and Performance history

Community Engagement

Shock Therapy Productions have a wealth of experience in delivering workshops for all ages and skill levels from school students to industry professionals. They have taught workshops in a range of areas including acting, physical theatre, devising theatre, producing and play writing and can cater workshops to meet the needs of most communities. These workshops can be offered in association with the touring production, Locked In. These workshops can range from 1 hr - 1 day.

In addition to workshops, Shock Therapy Productions can offer Artist in Residency for schools, community groups or venues. Shock Therapy have devised and directed professional and youth theatre projects at several schools, venues and companies including HOTA (Arts Centre Gold Coast), NORPA and Queensland Theatre. These residencies can offer a deeper community engagement and can run for anywhere between a week to a month. These residencies can culminate in a public showing of any work developed throughout the residency.

Both the workshops or residencies will leave local members of the community with a range of new skills in the area of performing arts. This will create future opportunities for locals to enter the industry with relevant and useful skills and leave a lasting legacy for the community.