Theatre

The Axe in the Ceiling

A contemporary take on a classic household tale. An absurd love story with surprising layers.

Dates 07 - 22 Oct
Time 4:00pm (60 minutes)
Venue The Motley Bauhaus - Black Box

$28.00

Sessions & Tickets View Comments

Wheelchair Accessible

An Indian woman draped in a black, red, and gold sari holding an axe looks up towards the sky. She is leaning against a tree, there are other trees and a path in the background.

Past Event

Theatre

Image Credit: Evangelina Vlahakis

Written and Directed by: Jaya Berged

The Axe in the Ceiling is a story about a newly married couple on a journey of self-discovery, through a series of absurd events.

Chhaya is a playful, imaginative woman who has always lovingly walked the path that she’s been taught to walk. Hunar is a responsible, self-reliant man who has always provided well for himself and made Good Decisions. Their relationship begins with an axe in the ceiling, and peaks with a bird net in a corn field. Their journey together rocks their individual stability and reveals gaps in their self-image, compelling them to reflect on what they truly want and whether they have what it takes to get it.

The Axe in the Ceiling is a story of vulnerability, human connection, villain-less antagonism, resilience, and rising from the ashes. It is performed in waves of absurdity, realism, comedy, romance, and philosophical reflection. This production provokes deep thought and holds up a mirror to our own relationships, but is ultimately a show that offers hope and validates our individual experiences in the world.

Adapted from a household tale by the Brothers Grimm.

Duration: 60 minutes
Age suitability: M
Event warnings: Haze Effects, Moderate Coarse Language.
Content warnings: Drug References, Mental Health.

The Motley Bauhaus - Black Box
118 Elgin St, Carlton, VIC, 3053

Wheelchair Access

The Motley Bauhaus - Black Box is wheelchair accessible.

There is step-free access to the venue. Wheelchair users enter at the main entrance. The Black Box and all downstairs spaces, including the bar, are accessible.
There are accessible toilets at this venue.

More accessibility info available via website - www.themotley.com.au/about.html

Get directions See all events at this venue See detailed venue & access information

Full: $28.00
Concession: $24.00
Group 4+: $24.00
Extra Applause: $30.00
Blak Tix: $20.00

Member discounts available

This event is eligible for 25% off full price Fringe Dweller tickets. Just add the tickets that you want then login at checkout and you'll get the cheapest tickets. If you're not a member yet, simply add a membership to your cart and you'll be able to access Fringe Dweller prices straight away.

"The Axe in the Ceiling is exactly what Melbourne Fringe is about: originality, charm and community. Well-written and packed full of laughs, it’s a hidden gem in the festival this year. Berged offers a fresh take on age-old stories full of bawdy witticisms, splashes of metatheatricality and tongue-in-cheek self-awareness grounded by her Indian heritage... imminently watchable and endlessly charming." - Guy Webster, Australian Arts Review

artsreview.com.au

Sessions: In Person Events

A single $5.50 transaction fee applies to your booking.

Date	Time	Venue
Saturday, 07 October 2023 Door Sales Only	4:00pm	The Motley Bauhaus - Black Box Door Sales Only	Past Event
Sunday, 08 October 2023	4:00pm	The Motley Bauhaus - Black Box	Past Event
Saturday, 14 October 2023	4:00pm	The Motley Bauhaus - Black Box	Past Event
Saturday, 21 October 2023	4:00pm	The Motley Bauhaus - Black Box	Past Event
Sunday, 22 October 2023 Sold Out	4:00pm	The Motley Bauhaus - Black Box Sold Out	Past Event