‘All the Things We’ve Done’ // Theatre Works

‘All the Things We’ve Done’ was cathartic.

All the Things We’ve Done was performed in the newly renovated Theatre Works. A cosy and welcoming venue known for platforming local creatives. Created by Kate Speakman and Aleksander Corke, known for their immersive and interactive performances. All the Things We’ve Done focuses on coming to terms with past embarrassment and awkwardness. It was billed with exceptional praise and much excitement and was carried by a large cast of nine Gene Efron, Jackson Cross, Sophie Bengough, Kaia Reyes, Abbey Hanson, Ellen O’Connor, Mads Lou, Jo Jabalde and Ashleigh Gray. 

We were welcomed into the familiar Theatre Works foyer. Firstly we were asked to fill out a declaration card asking us to confess to our past mistakes when suddenly all the fanfiction I wrote and can’t delete because forgot the password was validated. We were then awaiting entry though the signature black doors, only for three flight attendants to come out informing us we are preparing to board our flight on Fret Jet. We were handed our emotional baggage in the form of a suitcase and were directed into an immersive performance space where we passed our bags through airport security whilst being quizzed by the actors on our past transgressions. It was interactive and brilliant, with the flight attendants, security and baggage handlers creating a brilliant atmosphere. 

I have always believed I have a list longer than the prop one used in this show.. I was less mature back then, but I know I changed for the better and I have put a large amount of effort into doing so. One thing certain is this performance made me feel less alone in that. This performance was developed by acquiring stories of people sharing their embarrassing moments.  When it comes to poor choices, there is a feeling that you alone are the only person to have committed them, but this performance made me realise that regret of the past is remarkably common. If you are reading this, I am sorry and I hate that I was ever like that. I feel that works like this are important because they remind people to be mindful of how they treat others. 

In the midst of having our bags checked, and hidden in the audience were two performers. Much praise for Speakman and Corke, who have brilliantly blended interactive audience participation with creating a space for scripted performance within. The actors shifted between script and improvisation at the burst of the moment. We witnessed an awkward argument with a passenger and the airport security crew grow out of the audience. I had to remind myself I was watching a performance as it felt so real. I would be interested in attending All the Things We’ve Done a second or even third time to see how it changes depending on the behaviour of the audience. 

After the scripted dialogue was complete, we were led into the gate lounge. It was an eerie scape, filled with pastel colours and clashing shapes. We explored and interacted with the actors and we were led to specific activities, including one where I got to make a paper plane and fly it. We were also greeted by a flashmob, marred with brilliant vocals and plenty of method acting and scripted micro-performances. The seamless transition between script and improvisation made me truly feel I was within this airport. 

We also got to witness larger scripted scenes that created a plot. This storyline was focused on awkward situations, mistakes and regret. The plot provided guidance through the space. Examples included jokes that were taken the wrong way, relationship breakdowns, social media blunders. There were plenty which resonated with me including all-consuming obsessions, accidental anger and misheard instructions. I found the writing of this production covers many demographics, and there will be something for everyone within this storyline. 

Being a partially interactive performance, with audience members given the freedom to walk around the Theatre Works performance space with things happening in multiple locations, I was unfortunately bound to miss something. On one occasion I was standing in the ‘prayer room’ section chatting and hearing about a solid gold seaplane when I heard yelling, I look over to a dialogue on the opposite side of the space. I was much more cautious from this point in, I am not sure if what I missed was crucial and if I was behind in the storyline. I do think this performance would have benefitted from more guidance in leading actors to the most important scenes. 

Scripted dialogue followed. We got to witness actors discuss their upcoming book launch and make countless social faux pas in the process. We also witnessed one of the flight attendants sobbing and the information booth attendee provide shocking customer service. It was exciting. We were then given the opportunity to remove our emotional baggage. I was confident in doing this as I realised my experiences were not in isolation, this performance made me feel I am not alone.   

I personally found this performance redefined the concept of comfort. I am not considering this as a criticism of the performance itself, but instead noting that in my individual experience, comfort was not communicated to me. There were occasions I can now interpret as indirectly comforting, though this was not my first reaction. Instead, this performance made me feel less alone in my past behaviour and I now feel more confident in communicating with those around me my intention to change. 

All the Things We’ve Done is different every performance, so come along to a different vibe each time. I recommend really getting into the spirit and making offerings that contribute strongly to the rhythm of the performance. It’s the type of show you want to go to with friends and you will probably make some as well.

Find out more from Theatre Works website.