Explore the search for connection, the beauty of vulnerability, and the awkwardness of first dates while laughing yourself silly

Vivien Whittle is a co-producer and actor for ‘Plucked’, who is based in Brisbane and has performed for various companies since 2002. NEHIB spoke to Vivien about the production Plucked, which is premiering in the 2021 Anywhere Festival.

Tell us about the show in 100 words or less

‘Plucked’ is about two women, Sam and Beth, who after some brief online flirting have decided to go for a hike for their first date. But Beth hates bushwalking. And hasn’t told Sam that this is her first date with a woman. And they get lost. And cross paths with a crackpot wildlife poacher who they have to rely on for survival. It’s a hilarious play about the search for connection, the beauty of vulnerability, and the awkwardness of first dates, no matter what the situation.

Anywhere Festival takes place anywhere but a theatre. Tell us about your venue. What is it about your space that adds to your audience experience?

Elements Collective has created the perfect blank canvas for our production. You walk in from the buzz of The Valley to the sanctuary of our performance space. The audience sits either side of what is usually used as a dance studio, the play taking place down the centre of the room. This creates a more intimate environment, enables each person a different experience and heightens their surprise as the action unfolds in front of them. 

What is your creative process like?

Laughter, collaboration, vulnerability, respect, passion…and girl power!

Bronwyn Nayler, Vivien Whittle, & Julie Berry with Director Lisa Hickey. Image: Naz Mulla.

Tell us your origin story. How did your collaboration start?

Serendipity. Our director Lisa is the nucleus of our group. I met Julie (our writer, co-producer and actor) while working front of house for one of Lisa’s plays. It began with a casual conversation about how there were limited opportunities to play LGBTIQ+ roles. We started joking about writing our own. A few weeks later she’d written an awesome script, was accepted into the Anywhere Festival and before I knew it, I was knee deep in a gay rom-com. Lisa was keen to direct and brought in powerhouse actor Bronwyn to play the Lone Hiker, and our team was complete.

Who is your perfect audience member? Who is going to LOVE this event?

Anyone who has ever been on a first date. Anyone who has tried online dating. Anyone who has perfectly planned a first date which has ended in disaster. Anyone who has struggled to find their true self, love, or their path in life. Gay women. Bird watchers. They’ll love it too. Confused yet?

Is there anything else we simply MUST know about the show?

It’s fun, it’s different, it’s laughter and tears, it’s absurd, it’s vulnerable, it’s rude, it’s relatable and it’s one hell of a hike.

‘Plucked’ plays the 2021 Anywhere Festival on 16, 21, 22 & 23 May at Elements Collective in The Valley.