In a dimly lit office filled with discarded objects and strange inventions, a lone figure works to collect and preserve humanity’s memories – but what happens when a rogue AI threatens his prized collection?
A whimsical mix of storytelling, humour and circus with just a hint of science and magic, Whalebone was a thought-provoking piece which explored the power and value of human memories and the important role everyday objects play in their creation and recollection. Unfolding across 55 minutes, the performance also explored the impact technology has on humanity’s daily life and touched on themes of consumerism and recycling – shining a light on the effect humanity’s wasteful habits has on not only the planet but also our own emotional and physical wellbeing.
Creator/director/performer Jens Altheimer delivered an imaginative and quirky performance as the unnamed individual working inside a mysterious place known as ‘The Depository’. Flitting across the stage with the boundless energy of an easily distracted toddler, Altheimer’s performance perfectly captured the dual aspects of his character’s personality as both a passionate collector and wildly imaginative inventor, whose mind-boggling inventions garnered laughs and gasps of wonder from the young audience.
Throughout the show, Altheimer frequently broke the fourth wall to interact with the audience, asking questions, shouting orders and even calling on a few lucky children to assist in the strange process of collecting memories. A short Q+A session after the performance allowed the children to ask questions about the show and the strange contraptions seen on stage and Altheimer answered each question in a child-friendly manner, exploring ideas and allowing youngsters on stage to touch and inspect the props.
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While the young children in attendance loved the nonsensical whimsy of Whalebone, I found myself musing over the show’s deeper themes and wondering just what precious memories the collector would find if he scanned my children’s favourite toys.
Whalebone
Created, directed and performed by Jens Altheimer
The DreamBig Children’s Festival season of Whalebone was performed on 10 May 2025 at Adelaide Festival Centre.
