Step into the Shadows: ‘Smiling in the Dark‘ Unveils a Unique Theatrical Dreamscape
Following the five-star success of Oneiric at the 2023 Adelaide Fringe, writer/dancer/director Ben Davenport is set to captivate audiences once again with their latest production, Smiling in the Dark. Premiering at the Adelaide Gaol on February 28, this groundbreaking and highly experimental theatrical work weaves together a gripping narrative, intricate choreography, aerial artistry, and spoken word to explore the delicate dance between light and darkness.
At the heart of Smiling in the Dark is a bold creative vision, blending powerful movement with striking imagery. Davenport takes the reins as writer and director, shaping this haunting and reflective narrative. This production is further elevated by collaboration with talented producer Leanne Williamson, whose experience in large productions and expertise in the technical elements of aerial artistry have added a stunning dimension to this work.
“While this piece is deeply personal, it also speaks to universal truths,” says Davenport. “I’ve poured my experience as a writer and actor into crafting this narrative and its movements into something both defiant and vulnerable, while Leanne’s precision, experience, and technical knowledge have allowed us to integrate aerial works that feel both seamless and transformative. I was inspired by real-life stories of darkness, pain, and trauma, especially those with a sense of greater social responsibility. It is my hope that audiences will experience this immersive theatrical storytelling and perhaps ask themselves what it all means in their own lives. We live in a society that has a tendency to hide behind a smile, and so I ask you to peer beneath the mask….”
What to Expect: Smiling in the Dark invites audiences into a liminal world where the past and the present collide. Through arresting choreography, ethereal aerial sequences, experimental performance art including piercing suspension, and a poignant narrative delivered with a unique spoken word style, this production aims to transport audiences to the threshold of their own emotions, daring them to confront their inner shadows and find the beauty within the void.
