An interactive political dramedy, with robots

Presented by Next Wave
In association with the Chinese Museum
SOLD OUT SEASON – 11-23 May 2021
Chinese Museum, 22 Cohen Pl, Melbourne

ABOUT
Welcome to 2050. The country is witnessing one of the tightest presidential runs in history, with one-time underdog, independent party candidate Poona Li Hung, now an unlikely frontrunner.

In 1997, the controversial book, Pauline Hanson: The Truth imagined Australia in the year 2050, run by Poona, a “lesbian… of Indian and Chinese background” and… a cyborg. Roshelle Fong and Keziah Warner bring Poona to life in this necessary and timely interactive theatre work.

As a Poona staffer on the campaign trail, only you can navigate the election cycle to determine your candidate’s future. Fasten your ‘Vote Poona’ badge, collect that last-minute polling data, and brace yourself – will Poona be voted Cyborg in Chief? The fate of the nation is up to you.

CREDITS
Creator & Producer: Roshelle Fong
Creator & Assistant Director: Keziah Warner
Director: Isabella Vadiveloo
Lighting Designer: Rachel Lee
Set and Costume Designer: Matilda Woodroofe
Sound Designer: Jess Keeffe
Script Consultants: Kat Clarke, Sukhjit Kaur Khalsa, Lisa Dethridge
Cast: Emina Ashman, Cecilia Low, Cheryl Ho and Elsa Tuet-Rosenberg
Graphic and Web Designer: Vy Ray
Can art: Kim Lam
Stage Manager: Steph Young

REVIEWS
3.5 stars. Participatory theatre that will appeal to fans of backroom political drama from The West Wing to Borgen … glamorous and inventive experimental work.
The Age

Full of humour and heart … an incredible script.
Theatre Travels

IMAGES
© Theresa Harrison

Poona was commissioned by Next Wave for Next Wave Festival 2020 through Kickstart. Supported by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body and by the City of Melbourne Arts Grants Program.