Bernadette Trench-Thiedeman
Photo: Jack Dixon
After 6 long years of development & 2 COVID induced delays Bernadette Trench-Thiedeman will finally be able to showcase her new theatre show, Phantasmagoria, at the Theatre Works in St Kilda this month. Inspired by films such as Pan's Labyrinth & Studio Ghibli's Princess Mononoke this show tells the harrowing tale of woman trying to learn about her deceased, estranged father.
Speaking to Pario in the midst of bumping in for the show Bernadette described the show as an "experimental, non-linear... horror, comedy, drama" which anybody will be able to relate to. During our conversation Bernadette explained that she is excited but also nervous ahead of opening given the extended development period behind this show.
"It's kind of surreal because we've been building up to this for so long, so sometimes it's hard to believe that it's actually happening."
In regards to the themes woven within this incredibly complex show Bernadette explained that Phantasmagoria is a a "fictionalised story" which explores themes of "family violence & intergenerational trauma which are unfortunately a fairly common experience."
Given these "heavy themes" Bernadette employed all of her creative in order to make Phantasmagoria a show which would appeal to broad audience. So within this show audiences will experience not only traditional theatre elements but also puppetry, animation, projections & stage magic. All of which Bernadette contributes to this show being for "people who are ready to go on an emotional journey all over the emotional landscape" because "although it has heavy themes it is really quite a fun & entertaining show."
On the more personal side we asked Bernadette how she came to develop a love for theatre, to which she gave us a very heartfelt answer.
"The defining moment for me came when I was 6 years old," answered Bernadette. "My Mum had made this amazing costume for me of a beautiful pink galah. She spent ages making this costume for a school play but then we were an hour late, so I missed the play. I was devastated by that event & feel like I have been trying to make up for it ever since."
Ever since then Bernadette has been channelling her creative energies into a range of different mediums, whether that be puppetry, animation, painting, theatre or writing. A creative pathway she says she has followed simply through experimentation in order to best convey her stories & emotions.
"For me when there is a story, an idea, or a concept I think about what medium lends itself well to that story or concept. Maybe that means it could be a sculpture, a graphic novel, a film or a theatre show - the story is always at the core."
Follow Bernadette's creative journey at www.bernadettett.com
Buy tickets to Phantasmagoria at: www.theatreworks.org.au
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