Theatrical Isolation

Paul Stephanus, director of the play Quarantine, plans to ferry his audience at dusk to a disused convalescence chamber on Matiu/Somes Island in Wellington harbour during next month’s Fringe Festival. Once the audience disembarks they will be told they have contracted a contagious disease and are required to remain in quarantine. Stephanus said the “theatrical adventure” will involve the audience learning about the archaic medical practices once used by the island’s doctors. He said the play will be “demanding” for audiences. “We’re taking them to a huge island; we’re cramming them into a small space. It will require commitment,” he said. The show will feature sets and a mask made by the team at Richard Taylor’s Weta Workshop, and draw on surroundings usually closed off to the public.