The Third Policeman
Saturday 20th, 19.45 & Sunday 21st August, 16.45
Ergo Phizmiz & the Gang of Rogues
Music & Words: Ergo Phizmiz
After the novel by Flann O’Brien (By permission of A.M.Heath.Ltd)
Director: Ergo Phizmiz & Erik Bumbledonk
Video: Ergo Phizmiz with Elements: Martha Moopette
Masks: Martha Moopette & Michael Wade
Costumes: Martha Moopette
Paintings: Bryan Innes Parker
Hacked Toys: Puaj-Ehem
Protagonist: Vulnavia Vanity
Sergeant Pluck/ Old Man Mathers/ Sergeant Fox: Oblivian Substashall
Sergeant MacCruiskeen/ Martin Finnucane/ John Divney: Erik Bumbledonk
DeSelby: Ergo Phizmiz
Joe:Lucinda Guy
Mrs Divney: Martha Moopette
Mrs Divney’s Children: Talulah Lotus & Autumn Poppy
Synopsis
From “maverick composer” Ergo Phizmiz comes an opera on Flann O’Brien’s perplexing masterpiece. Part thriller, part comedy, part science-fiction, this radical adaptation combines stagecraft, animation, puppetry, and distinctive, unforgettable music into an astounding composite for the ears and eyes. Expect bicycles, murder, atomic theory, typewriters, infinity, and sweets.
The opera is a truly 21st century adaptation of O’Brien’s work, using a wide array of creative methods and approaches in handmade and digital art to bring Ergo Phizmiz’s idiosyncratic take on O’Brien’s already idiosyncratic world to life.
Created in collaboration with a host of artists and performed by a cast of non-trained singers and comedians, with visual influences from Eastern European animation and musical references ranging from British dance bands to intricate electronic music, it promises to be a unique sensory experience.
This production was rejected arts funding at an early stage, and has been made possible by the kindness and generosity of friends and strangers.
