Kafkas Amerika

Following on from the success of 'I Sing The Body Electric', which was named Best Theatre for 2012 by The Press, Free Theatre presents our major work for 2014: 'Kafka's Amerika'. Conceived as an interactive multimedia theatre production, this innovative project explores the all-pervasive America of our present as achieved utopia or nightmare.

Directed by Peter Falkenberg and with a set designed by Stuart Lloyd-Harris, 'Kafka's Amerika' takes up the last chapter of the great dreamer's first novel and imagines a theatre where everyone can play a part.

How has the "American Century" (just passed) come to dominate our lives, the ways we think and act, and how might we in New Zealand move beyond the limitations of this mindset and forge a new identity in this century? In Kafka's unfinished novel Amerika, these hopes and fears are symbolised by large angels that dominate a theatre that goes beyond its limits.

Your support for this project will help us bring to life the first production in our new space, The Gym. This is the first arts-practice tenancy in the new Arts Centre and as with all of our projects the space will inspire the work that we create.

Support for the Project:

"I travelled the country enjoying cultural events and performances on behalf of the festival (RealNZ Festival as part of the 2011 Rugby World Cup); and I can honestly say that Free Theatre's production of [The Earthquake in Chile] was perhaps the most powerful and emotionally involving of the many performances I saw during that period... If Kafka's Amerika is as good as The Earthquake in Chile, you can be certain that it is a plane trip to Christchurch for me."
Jock Philips, Ministry for Cultural and Heritage

 "I also believe this dynamic production has the potential to affect the audience's perception about their role in contemporary culture and politics in a similar way to how surreal and jarring films like 'Propaganda' and 'An Act of Killing' can."
Slavko Martinov, Filmmaker

 "I am impressed by the significant contribution Free Theatre has for a long while afforded Christchurch, but especially post earthquake when they have nimbly shifted gear to offer relevant theatrical experiences in spaces not generally designated for theatre. It is the shared creative impulse made manifest that makes continuing to live in Christchurch bearable."
Julia Morison, Artist