In the time it takes to push a button, the future of a family can hang in the balance.
The deeply personal and true story of one man's search for connection in chaos draws a fine line between beauty and fear, faith and science. Award-winning artist Todd MacDonald and critically acclaimed director Bagryana Popov present 'The Button Event'.
We asked Todd about the play that is close to his heart.
Describe this production in a sentence?
'The Button Event' is a potent show about love and struggle done in a highly physical and entertaining way.
Your fav line in the show and why?
"Did you know the brain and the skin are made of the same thing?" I think I love this line because it represents my journey into trying to understand the science of our biology and yet seeing the beauty of what we are as humans. It starts a poetic and informative sequence that explores these ideas and I find it very moving and inspiring.
Fill in the blanks:
'The Button Event' will… open your eyes… and leaves you… deeply moved… but won't… depress you… and is surprisingly... funny at the same time.
In your personal life, how do you juggle the daily grind of home, work and having a social life?
It's a constant struggle, in this kind of industry work and social often overlap, and in this show our family becomes a part of it all as well. It's about balance and being mindful – of yourself, your family and friendships - I often get it wrong and the balance gets thrown, and stress ensues but we just keep trying to regain our perspective and try to enjoy it as much as possible. I mean really we are so lucky and we have a great life - we just have to remember that, is all!
'The Button Event' is based on a true story, is it based on someone you know personally?
It's about me and my journey through a very challenging time when our daughter was diagnosed with Tuberous sclerosis. It's a rare condition if you want to know more about it go to their website.
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Having helped devise the production, do you feel closer to your character than you would if you were just performing it?
It's me - so I've never though about character for this work, although in performance it's important that people can see themselves in this man. So I guess it's actually a version of me, that has distilled these experiences. A version that most people will relate to and empathise with.
If there was a movie based on your life, who would play you and what characteristics would they have to channel?
Well if I made this show into a movie I would have to play me! But if I needed a young me then perhaps time travel a young Johnny Depp I think - channelling 'angry young young man' and 90's angst!
What do you want audiences to say as they leave?
I'd rather they felt different than say anything. Felt changed, informed, moved, hopeful and if they want to say things I hope they tell their friends to come!
And what will you be saying to yourself on opening night?
Just get through it!
Anything else readers should know?
If you want to see work that doesn't hold back, that moves you and entertains and is fearless- come and see 'The Button Event'.
'The Button Event' is playing at the Queensland Theatre Company from 18th September to 4th October.
