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360, the magical, technically challenging show created by Carl Bland and Peta Rutter, has finally reached Auckland.

Renee Liang interviews Carl Bland and performer Gareth Reeves.

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If you’ve ever wanted to know what it felt like to sit on the stage of the Civic, now’s your chance.  360 literally turns the traditional theatre space inside-out as the audience sits centre stage while performers surround them.  Using the classic storyline of the prodigal son, this technically challenging work weaves elements of circus, surrealism and magic while the audience, seated on swivel chairs, choose what to focus on.

This ambitious piece was dreamed up by Carl Bland and the late Peta Rutter, and is directed by Ben Crowder. 

Carl Bland - co-writer 

How did the idea for 360 arrive?

It was from a sketch in a notebook that had been around for many years - we thought a prodigal son story was ideal for this form of presentation.

How did you develop it, and how long did it take?

The work was developed over two years.

Is the idea of having a theatre work surround an audience original?

When I sketched it I had never seen or heard of any similar forms of presenting a show, though I did read later that Artuad had in his writings suggested swivels in a circle though he never built it.

A life size seal, exploding cannon, and fireworks inside a theatre....is anything impossible in theatre?

It would be impossible to make theatre without the audience agreeing to suspend disbelief.

How important was the design aspect of the show, and how early in the process did you involve them?

We work in a very visual way, creating a world that a story can begin to be told in.

How involved were the performers in the initial development?

The work is not devised, it is written and story-boarded with great detail. We will use the individual skills of the performers to create character details.

Has the show changed since the original season (for the New Zealand International Arts Festival in 2010?)

The show has become more about the family that is left, rather than the son that leaves. It is a sadder show but one that I hope resonates more.

What are your future plans for the show?

We would like to take the show overseas and are exploring ways we could make this happen but it is a very big show to mount with enormous technical requirements.

Gareth Reeves - performer

How did you get involved in 360?

The producing/directing team got in touch and showed me some footage from the festival production, some reviews and I read the script. I loved it and my agent went to work on a deal and here I am.

How technical is the show and how much prep and rehearsal is involved?

It's fiendishly technical in often surprising ways. Having done it before gives the crew a slight advantage though. 

What do you do in this show that you have never done before?

The nature of the set means I'm performing from a circle down into the pit where the audience are. That's a new experience for starters. 

We know there are fireworks and spectacle... but are there also more emotional moments?

Of course. That's what attracted me to it. It's full of humanity and beauty. There's a great sense of joy in the show that opens these windows to sorrow and regret as well. Looking back at any life you would hope to run the full gamut.

What is your favourite part of the show?

I can't tell you without ruining a wonderful surprise.