New Australian science fiction about humanity’s relationship with technology

Published by Currency Press
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A heavily pregnant ex-ballerina, a child detective, a bitter puppeteer and a feminist pop princess hurtle towards Mars. The world is watching. Isn’t it?

On the eve of a revolution, Nicki and Caroline attempt to gain control over their lives as their A.I. superior, Alex, dances the night away.

And on New Earth, Esta & Isabelle forge hope through a new kind of relationship.

Told across several decades, from Melbourne to Mars, Keziah Warner’s startling, provocative and funny new play explores humanity’s desire to dictate how we’re perceived by others. Control delves deep into our relationship with technology: the moral ambiguities, the dependencies, the possibilities…

This script was commissioned by Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre through the INK Program.

AWARDS
Shortlisted for the Patrick White Playwrights Award, commended by the judges, 2017

First presented by Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre
1 October – 3 November 2019

CREDITS
Director: Julian Meyrick
Dramaturg: Tom Healey
Set & Costume Design: Emily Collett
Lighting Design: Lisa Mibus
Sound Design: Justin Gardam
Assistant Director: Shaun Wykes
Stage Manager: Alysha Watt
Cast: Christina O’Neill, Dushan Philips, Samuel Rowe, Naomi Rukavina

REVIEWS
4 stars. Compelling theatre … emotionally intelligent, ambitious new sci-fi.
The Age

4 stars. A play which demands to be watched. Acerbic and assured, Control consistently delivers unforgettable moments of both hilarity and pathos.
The Music

4.5 stars. Control is brilliantly written, staged and performed and a formidable argument for more stage and less screen in the world of sci-fi and futurism.
Arts Hub

4 stars. Exhilarating … a coda to centuries of storytelling from Der Sandmann and Pygmalion to Westworld and Humans.
The Australian

4 stars. There are so many fascinating details in this play and so many inventive and thought-provoking links.
Herald Sun

An exquisitely crafted work … outstanding writing.
Triple RRR

A definite writing talent to watch.
Theatre People

A mix between Unreal, Westworld and Her … Bold, captivating and unique.
Milk Bar Mag

An affecting journey from outer to inner space … you’d struggle to recall such an uncomplicated yet utterly beautiful ending to a play.
Australian Arts Review

Probing and insightful … one of the best shows I’ve seen on stage this year.
Keith Gow

SUBSEQUENT PRODUCTIONS
Observatory Theatre, Queensland Multicultural Centre, Brisbane QLD, 8-12 June 2022
New Theatre, Sydney NSW, 5-30 July 2022
Theatre Works, Melbourne VIC, 22 Oct-1 Nov 2025

IMAGES
From Red Stitch production, 2019 © Jodie Hutchinson