The Nervous Atmosphere

The Nervous Atmosphere is a solo performance by cellist, composer and theatre-maker Zoë Barry . Drawing on three personal encounters with lightning and the curious events that unfolded in their aftermath, Barry explores the awe, rupture and isolation of confronting forces beyond our control. At its core, the work is a meditation on connection—to nature, to the ground upon which we stand, to oneself and others. Bosco Shaw’s sculptural lighting design sets Barry amidst the storm itself, atop the clouds as if conducting lightning with the sweep of her bow. Through storytelling, live cello and striking visual design, The Nervous Atmosphere conjures landscapes both internal and external: the immense power and beauty of a thunderstorm, alongside the disorienting psychological impacts of a close encounter with nature. Also join for an artist talk by Zoe Barry – hamber Made invites you to join us after the show on Thursday 13 August for a Q&A with Zoë Barry, creator and performer of The Nervous Atmosphere . Discover how three real-life brushes with lightning grew into this electrifying piece of theatre, and what it took to bring the storm to life on stage. Post-Show Artist Talk with Zoë Barry Stay after the performance on Thursday 13 August for a special post-show artist talk with Zoë Barry , creator and performer of The Nervous Atmosphere . Following the performance, Zoë will be joined for an audience Q&A. Discover how three real-life brushes with lightning grew into this electrifying piece of theatre, and what it took to bring the storm to life on stage. The artist talk will begin shortly after the performance concludes and will run for approximately 20 minutes. Included with your Thursday performance ticket. ‘Vulnerable questions about humanity, survival and the very nature of existence itself.’ — The Age ‘Bosco Shaw’s remarkable set and lighting design is hallucinatory.’ — The Saturday Paper ‘How a show that is a harrowing history of nerves manages to nonetheless convey the brilliancy of light is a true mystery that merits watching this electric piece of performance art.’ — Arts Hub Concept, Composition & Performance: Zoë Barry Co-direction & Dramatugy: Ingrid Voorendt Sound Design: Jed Palmer Lighting Design: Bosco Shaw Sound Dramaturgy: Tamara Saulwick Costume Design: Renate Henshke Cultural Interpreter: Jason Tamiru Production Manager: Rylan Beckinsale Producer: Kylie McRae