'Two possibilities exist. Either we are alone in the universe, or we are not. Both are equally terrifying.' — Arthur C. Clarke.
'Pale Blue Dot (PBD)', written by Kathryn Marquet and developed through La Boite’s Playwrights-in-Residence program, is a captivating new comedy about aliens, alienation and the terrifying and/ or comforting thought that we are not alone.
The main character, insurance fraud investigator Joel Pinkerton, doesn’t believe in aliens. So when his company introduced UFO abduction insurance as a publicity stunt a few years ago, he never gave it much thought. Until now. When Joel is called to investigate the possible alien abduction of 16-year-old schoolgirl Storm, he finds himself drawn into intergalactic intrigue and conspiracy theories. What happened to Storm during those missing 24 hours? And how did she wake up in an empty field 200km from home?
The answers might surprise you. Lucy Goleby, one of the cast of 'PBD', lets slip about some on set secrets.
What's your elevator pitch for 'PBD'?
A mysterious disappearance, an unremembered party, a domineering German mother, a wife slowly losing the plot and a baby who won't stop crying. For a man desperate for explanations, aliens might just be the answer.
How did you become part of this production?
I met the playwright, Kathryn Marquet, after her beautiful performance in La Boite's 'The Glass Menagerie' last year. She told me about her play, then under development and I was immediately intrigued by her ideas and completely captivated when I read the script. I was fortunate enough to be auditioned by Michael Futcher and Kathryn at the beginning of the year, and am privileged — and a little awestruck — to be working alongside such a stellar cast. The rehearsal room is a constant source of inspiration, laughter and a genuine collaborative desire to expose the raw depths of human beings in crisis.
What's the biggest lesson you've learnt about life through being an actor?
Fear is responsible for failure, and the best way to combat fear is to be present in the moment. And not to take yourself too seriously. Take the work seriously, but never yourself.
Best advice you've received and from whom?
"Even idiots have something to teach you" from Tom Wright, ex-artistic associate at STC. Tom told me that when I got into NIDA and he wasn't passing any judgement on the staff there, quite the opposite. He was reminding me not to dismiss anyone or anything because I thought I knew better. It's a constant reminder to remain humble and also to remain open and aware, because inspiration and knowledge come from the most unexpected sources.
Who would play you in a movie and what would the title be?
I'd love to be played by Meryl Streep, in which case the film would undoubtedly be called 'The Actor I wish I Was!'
Why should people come see this show? Because it's funny. And it's sad. Usually at the same time. And it shows humans struggling with their insecurities and insignificance and desperate desire for something outside themselves to alleviate both.
Your thoughts of Ufology? And do you think we're alone in the universe? Well, it wasn't all that long ago we were developing opposable thumbs and chattering about the Earth being flat, so I imagine there's a lot more about this universe we don't yet know or understand.
'Pale Blue Dot' runs July 19 – August 9 at the Roundhouse Theatre, La Boite.
