PRODUCTION NOTES :

version 1.0 in association with the Dept. of Performance Studies, Sydney University presents CMI (A Certain Maritime Incident).

“The TV news deadline has passed, Senator Faulkner. You can turn away from your theatrics.” (Senator Brandis, CMI inquiry transcript page 1582)

“I did not hear the question; I was engaged offstage, I have to say.” (CHAIR, CMI inquiry transcript page 1542)

When it comes to theatre, there s nothing quite like a Senate inquiry. And when it comes to politics, there s no-one else making theatre like version 1.0, one of the most exciting new companies in Sydney— hailed as “a refreshing new vision in performance” (RealTime), and “challenging and hilarious” (Sydney Star Observer). Put the two together and you have CMI (A Certain Maritime Incident)— an edgy performance devised from the transcripts of the Senate Select Committee on a Certain Maritime Incident, the inquiry into the children overboard scandal.

CMI explores the “children overboard” lies, the real tragedy of SIEV-X, border panic hysteria, the failure of the political process, asking fundamental questions at the intersection between the personal and the political. In CMI six acting Senators wrestle with their wills, their words, their politics & each other, aided and abetted by multi-channel video and real time lie detection software. The Inquiry talks the talk that numbs the intellect and paralyses the body’s capacity for outrage.

CMI is a public act of outrage, a staging of outrageous acts, a guided tour along the treacherous border separating cool heads from icy cold rage. CMI is heartbreaking and hilarious, a horribly funny tragedy.

Performance History
26 March-11 April, 2004 Performance Space, Sydney
13-17 October, 2004 Performance Space, Sydney
19-23 October, 2004 The Street Theatre, Canberra

PRODUCTION CREDITS :

Created and performed by:
Danielle Antaki
Stephen Klinder
Nikki Heywood
Deborah Pollard
Christopher Ryan
David Williams

Producer:
David Williams

Lighting:
Simon Wise

Video & Design:
Samual James

Sound:
Jason Sweeney

Lie Detection Software:
pvi collective

Outside Eye:
Yana Taylor