The Block Universe (Or So It Goes)
NOMINATED FOR SYDNEY THEATRE AWARD FOR BEST INDEPENDENT PRODUCTION.
NOMINATED FOR THE SILVER GULL PLAYWRIGHT'S AWARD & THE DAVID WILLIAMSON PLAYWRIGHTS AWARD.
SHORTLISTED FOR THE PHILIP PARSONS FELLOWSHIP.
Sam’s first full-length play, THE BLOCK UNIVERSE (OR SO IT GOES) premiered at the Old 505 Theatre, Newtown on June 10, 2016. It was produced by Cross Pollinate Productions, directed by Dominic Mercer and starred Briallen Clarke and Jacob Warner. Following opening night, word spread quickly through Sydney’s theatre community and before long the production’s short run was sold out.
Inspired by Kurt Vonnegut’s satirical novel, Slaughterhouse Five and the writings of Alaine de Botton, Alan Watts and H.G Wells among others, THE BLOCK UNIVERSE (OR SO IT GOES) is an attempt to bring a different experience of time to the stage. It exists somewhere between a curious romantic comedy, a religionless morality tale and a philosophical treatise as it playfully observes the coupling of two misfits – Andrew and Kristiina. Their relationship is revealed as it exists according to the theory of the Block Universe; in non-sequential exposures of life’s defining moments.
In the lead up to the fully realised production, the script was shortlisted for the 2015 Inaugural Silver Gull Playwriting Award, the 2015 Philip Parson’s Fellowship and the 2016 Ensemble Theatre David Williamson commission.
At the Sydney Theatre Awards the show was nominated for Best Independent Production and Jacob Warner was nominated for Best Actor in an Independent Production.
ReViews.
★★★★ The Block Universe (or so it goes) is charming, perplexing and heart-warming all at once and O’Sullivan is one to watch. Get in now to say ‘I told you so’ when he becomes a big deal later. Or subscribe to the Block Universe theory, in which he was brilliant all along. Whatever. Just see it before it closes. Polly Simons. Time Out. Full Review.
A thrilling piece of work... It’s clever, touching, funny and highly recommended. Diana Simmonds. Stage Noise. Full Review.
The Block Universe is a prime example of independent theatre that Australia can’t afford to lose. An intelligent play that doesn’t feel bookish, but instead evokes utmost human emotion – it’s a winner. Emily Richardson. Upstaged Reviews.
Press.
Gallery.
