Melbourne Fringe Festival 2024 will feature a unique live documentary, The Passion of Pauline, from October 2-5 at The Motley Bauhaus and October 17-20 at The Mission to Seafarers.
The Passion of Pauline offers an unconventional take on a real criminal trial, presented as a TV game show. Audiences become the jury, determining the fate of the contestant each night.
This dramedy combines live performance with multimedia elements, including talking chimpanzees as the judge, barrister, and witnesses, all relayed via video.
The Passion of Pauline
- Melbourne Fringe Festival 2024
- October 2-5, The Motley Bauhaus
- October 17-20, The Mission to Seafarers
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The show is a thought-provoking mix of humour and heaviness, reflecting on the broken justice system and the millions suffering due to its flaws. St John McKay, the creative mind behind this performance, has collaborated with Australian criminal justice non-profits, with all ticket sales being donated to these organisations.
The Passion of Pauline recounts the true story of Pauline Campbell, a retired woman who began campaigning against systemic injustices after her teenage daughter died in prison. Her activism, which included organising protests and being arrested, aimed to improve or abolish prisons. The show portrays her court case as a farcical monkey trial and a theatrical gameshow, highlighting the absurdity of her situation.
St John McKay, a New Zealander with a global background, has crafted this piece over four years. His personal connection to the subject matter stems from his own experiences and his mother’s past incarceration. The artist hopes the show will raise awareness and advocate for change in the criminal justice system.
Book at melbournefringe.com.au.
