This new solo dance theatre work by acclaimed performer, Lisa O’Neill, deals with an individual’s struggle for control in a corporate enterprise. The story is presented in an imaginative and innovative way through movement, an illustrated storybook, voiceovers and sound.
The Pipe Manager, who has no name, gets a job at Peer’s Pipe Company. The Board of Directors (BODS) are illusive and only the mange cat is there to greet her when she arrives. The BODS insist on the impossible – pipe innovation. But the pipe is perfectly functional – it is round, hollow and carries water. She soon discovers that the previous pipe managers have disappeared with not one reaching 10 years service and with this discovery comes the realisation: “You can live for the job or die for the job”. After about 6 years of service, she finally innovates the pipe, changing it into something else altogether. It is no longer a pipe and doesn’t function as one. But the BODS think her idea is fantastic and accept it. Although she has become the most successful Pipe Manager of all time, the BODS decide to terminate her position. The Pipe Manager ultimately realises what is important is self and self innovation. Peter Berkahn’s writing, rich with symbolism and metaphors, has a strong narrative. Solo performer, Lisa O’Neill, is transfixing and creates a vocabulary for her character through movement. The illustrations by Brisbane based artist CTN (Christian Ronquillo) enhance this dark, quirky and comic piece. The performance would not have been complete without voiceovers and sound by Guy Wester and an effective use of lighting by David Walters. This production runs for a little over an hour and captivates its adult audience with the turn of every page.
The Pipe Manager is showing at the Visy Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse, for a limited season - 18th to 21st November 2009.
Image used with permission of Brisbane Powerhouse.
Image used with permission of Brisbane Powerhouse.
