By Vera Wood
“As they guard the entrance to a black hole that is gradually consuming the world’s little pleasures, young people will be the judges of what survives the end of the world.”
Balancing humor with deeper emotional themes, Spaghettification explores the world if we had a chance to choose what we could keep in our world, and throw into the blackhole to erase it forever.
The production’s immersive staging, performed within a gallery installation that transforms into a stage at night, creates a playful yet thoughtful atmosphere.
One of my favourite parts of the show was the original songs. From a hilarious duet that uses meta-theatrical humour, to a poignant song, the musical element of the production added depth and uniqueness.
What stood out most was the play’s underlying message. As the characters decide what parts of life should survive the growing black hole, the story raises the question of whether removing all the ‘bad’ parts of the world would really make things better. Instead, the production suggests that both good and bad experiences shape our lives, and that trying to erase one side might also mean losing the meaning of the other. In that way, Spaghettification subtly speaks on modern issues, the world’s tendency to want simple solutions to complicated problems, or to filter out the uncomfortable parts of our reality. By the end, Spaghettification leaves the audience reflecting on life’s balance of chaos and beauty, while still laughing about the very important debate on risotto!
Here is a conversation I had with Mia Boonen, the CEO of Dramawerkz!
When did Dramawerkz start?
Dramawerkz was founded in 2006 by Lisa Collins, and all of our current staff were once students of the organisation. I began working as an assistant facilitator to support my own classes as a teen, before the company was handed down to me in 2019 (2020: best year to start running a theatre company!).
We became a non-profit incorporated association at the end of 2020, and this year, we’re celebrating 20 years with a massive concert in June!
What does the future look like for Dramawerkz?
At Dramawerkz, we are always driven by the needs, wants and hopes of the young people who make up our community. This year, to celebrate 20 years, we’re looking back and showcasing past shows and productions, but looking forward, it’s clear that there’s so much good ahead of us.
Dramawerkz continues to build its community: through our weekly programs, but also in our wellbeing and peer support initiatives (such as our weekly hangouts, annual camps and support work), and through opportunities we create for our young people. We love hosting readings of our teens’ new plays, creating opportunities for participants to learn technical skills or producing, and we’re always looking for ways we can celebrate local young people.
How would you describe the company’s identity and mission?
I always say that Dramawerkz is the “place we all needed when we were young”. We aim to be a safe haven for young people: somewhere outside of home that they feel safe, seen and valued. I really love that our organisation also creates amazing art, often co-devised by young people (like ‘Spaghettification’!), and that our creative spaces give every voice a chance to shine.
Our focus is truly on being a part of this community: creating theatre, singing, strengthening peer connections, navigating adolescence and building vital skills like confidence, communication and collaboration.
If you could describe Dramawerkz in three words, what would they be?
Community, Creativity, Connection
If Dramawerkz was a food, what food would it be?
Every year our teens go on a drama camp, and on the first night, I always make a huge batch of bolognese for us to have at dinner. So I think we’d probably be pasta: comforting, fulfilling, and also a bit spaghettified!
How can the youth of Melbourne join this drama school?
We’re always welcoming folks into our spaces! Get in touch at our website (www.dramawerkz.com), connect with us on instagram at @dramawerkz, or come along to a teen hangout on Wednesday afternoons during school term at Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre (5 Sargood St, Altona).
