Pluto

A non-verbal comedy in the spirit of Laterna magika that takes on the rapid development of technology and its impact on our lives through contemporary pantomime, physical theatre, and modern film technology as the essential means of expression.

Imagine four enthusiasts who have decided to start a motion capture studio. A brilliant idea? Could be, but for a little catch: filmmaking is all Greek to them.

So, welcome to Pluto! A film studio where virtually anything is possible and chaos is the only given. Meet Max the phlegmatic techie, Boss the manager – who sees not only future in a blur –, Gorge the aspiring actor, and his lazy colleague Pietr. Together they have set on a mission to make a masterpiece of cinema … or at least a piece that won’t fall apart before they erect the green screen.

Pantomime is the main means of expression, a classic art form that once shone like a planet in the solar system but has been overshadowed by the limelight of film stars. The production team led by Thom Monckton, an award-winning New Zealand director, aims to present pantomime to the audience with joy, lightness, and cheerfulness  – creating whole worlds out of literally nothing.

Modern technologies are expanding so rapidly that even the professionals are struggling to keep up. Pluto explores the tension between ultimate technical accuracy, on one hand, and the utter human imperfection, on the other hand. To what extent do we control our world – and to what extent do we actually need to control it?

The Pluto heroes are equipped only with green overalls, miles of cables, and the belief that enthusiasm can get you anywhere, perhaps even to the space…

• Stage director: Thomas Monckton
• Approximate running time: 1 hour 20 minutes, no intermission
• Recommended age 8+

Premiere: March 6, 2025

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