This play comes with a warning: “May contain material not suitable for children or those with a clean web browsing history.”
Proceed with caution as 'Sex With Strangers' is a fast-paced, witty and compelling story that explores the clash of the public and the personal when love and the digital age collide. Starring Thomas Larkin and Veronica Neave, with direction by the multi-award winning Jennifer Flowers, this is one ride you don't want to miss.
Describe the production in five words.
Thomas Larkin: Ethics, Identity, Notoriety, Ego, Love.
Veronica Neave: Intelligent, Sexy, Provocative, Visceral, Passionate.
Fill in the blanks.
TL: 'Sex with Strangers' will... challenge you to consider your public persona versus your private persona and the games that human beings cannot help but play with each other.
VN: 'Sex with Strangers' will... beguile you... and is screamingly... arousing... but it won't... be obvious... and even though it is... winter... it could make you feel... hot.
Favourite line in the play and why?
TL: If I share my answer, I will give away the end of the play.
VN: "Who are you?" because it is the first line of the play and once said means that we are going on one hell of a ride.
What mental and physical prep have you done for the play?
TL: Veronica and I have been working with choreographer Lisa Wilson from Expressions Dance Company to plot the physical journey between scenes. The first five scenes end with the stage directions 'Clothes come off. Sex is imminent', so it is important to explore a range of movement possibilities to keep the action fresh.
VN: Actually the character is so much like myself that it's scary.
Were you apprehensive about any aspect of the play?
TL: Initially I felt very excited to get stuck into this play. However, the further we go down the rabbit hole the more I realise how relevant this story is to every human being and the consequences that actions have on relationships. Now I have a healthy balance of nerves and excitement for our production.
VN: No, it’s just so good that I can't wait for people to see it.
What real life experience did you bring to this play?
TL: Well, fortunately or unfortunately I have quite a rich and varied tapestry of relationships to reflect on. Say no more.
VN: My entire life to this date.
Best pick-up line used (or used on you)?
TL: Someone once said to me, “How much does a polar bear weigh? Enough to break the ice.”
VN: I have never used one. I say it without words.
Most memorable advice about love you've been given.
TL: I remember reading somewhere, “Love drives us, destroys us and heals us.”
VN: Forever now.
How different are you online than in real life?
TL: I have grown to be very protective of my privacy online. I am much more open in person because I feel I have more control over with whom I share my energy.
VN: I have no online life so it’s real life for me all the way.
What do you want audiences to say as they leave?
TL: “Wow. Excuse me. I just need a moment.”
VN: “Wow Veronica Neave has a great butt!”
'Sex With Strangers' is on at Brisbane Powerhouse from July 17-26.
