Bigotry. Discrimination.
Exclusion. They can all go in the bin. We don't need them in society. In 2020,
artist collective The People (headed by Morgan Rose and Katrina Cornwell)
began to write about this. Along the way, a collaboration was formed with
artists Sonya Suares, Samuel Gaskin, Kate Hood, İbrahim Halaçoğlu and Zachary Pidd, and gradually their approach changed from looking at what
they don't like about society, to what they do like, and what a new world order
should resemble, with a focus on inclusion. Which brings us to Peacemongers, an
interactive, experimental, live art, musical theatre stage show that comes with
dinner. Quite a mouthful!
Having seen this diverse group
of performers (except for Halaçoğlu) in other projects, I was excited to see
what the evening had in store for us. Hood unfortunately was unable to be part
of the season due to interstate work, but she is cleverly kept as an integral
member of the production through pre-recorded segments that blend in perfectly
with the live performances.
The group shares the challenges
they have faced over the last four years, with references to covid and lockdown
times and the numerous funding rejections they receive. They recall
Peacemongers' evolution, including several working titles that reflected the
nature of the project and the difficulties of creating a work that seeks to embrace
everyone and provide a safe space for all.
