The Passage

The Passage is a project about story telling through theatre. Theatre, in its pure form, is a means of communication. Something that was previously concealed is slowly revealed through the passage of time. Often after watching a performance the audience is prompted to consider the world around them in a new way. Something new has been revealed to them. The ending of a theatre piece means knowledge has been passed on. It can become an almost cathartic experience. Theatre is also an inherently ritualistic event. There is the idea of a journey attached to attending the theatre: getting your ticket stamped, mingling, socialising and drinking, rushing to find a seat, the quiet room when the lights go out, the focus and heightened emotions throughout the piece and finally the applause and debrief with friends at the end. The passage takes these concepts of ritual and journey, revealing and concealing and catharsis and translates them into form: A floating theatre is situated off the north west edge of shark island - the first island seen after entering the sydney harbour. To get there visitors must complete a journey which slowly reveals aspects of the harbour and the island to result in the final destination - one’s seat in the theatre. Almost like a glowing beacon, it guides visitors along their journey. A singular level is established, one thread of time that cuts through everything in its way, intentionally revealing structures of the land that would otherwise be concealed.

Rotating Theatre and Backstage Plan

Rotating Theatre Front Elevation and Canopy Detail, Rotating Theatre and Backstage Perspective Section

The Reception and Entrance Spaces, The First Rest Stop: The Café

The Bar, The Gift Shop and Point of Departure

Perspective Section of a Cut Through the Island