The Show...

“In the experience of profound disconnection, when there are no more floors to crash through, the only way out is in”.
​This dynamic Australian work is a humorous and moving theatrical cycle that explores the painful depths of loneliness and the profound joy of aloneness. a/lone combines physical theatre, contemporary dance, and verbatim theatre with an evocative live original score. Written and directed by Janine McKenzie and featuring original music by Seshtin Honey, a/lone is brought to life by performers Xavier McGettigan and Stacey Carmichael. Supported by Geelong Arts Centre. 

Research has found that 'people who are disconnected lead sicker, sadder and shorter lives'. We wanted to have a conversation about the epidemic of loneliness. Audiences will see themselves and people they love in the stories we tell. This performance resonates deeply and continues to stay with you long after you leave the theatre. 
Janine McKenzie 

The Team...


​Project Connect is a group of independent Australian artists that uses group-devised physical theatre processes to explore the human condition. Project Connect is supported by Geelong Arts Centre's Creative Engine. 
​
Stacey Carmichael, Producer & Performer
Stacey is a director, choreographer, actor, dancer and teacher. She has completed short course studies with RADA (London), NIDA (Sydney), Brave Acting Studio (Melbourne), Frantic Assembly (London) and holds a Bachelor of Contemporary Arts in Dance/ Drama.
​ www.staceyccreative.com

Janine McKenzie, Writer & Director
Janine has worked with various theatre companies as both an actor and director. She is an award-winning drama educator, receiving the Drama Victoria Regional Teacher of the Year Award in 2015. Janine was awarded the Geelong Theatre Best Director Award (with Iris Walshe- Howling) for APA’s The Hope Song.

Sheshtin (Kirstin) Honey,  Composer, Musician, Performer, Sound Design
Sheshtin is an award winning multi-instrumentalist, composer and visual artist. Her composition history ranges from Post Rock, Dark Wave, Electronica, Alt Folk and Madrigals. Highlights include working with Back to Back Theatre, Glen Shea, Skin of Our Teeth and Anglesea Performing Arts. They are delighted to be working with Project Connect. 

Xavier McGettigan, Performer
Xavier is a professional director, choreographer, performer and dance educator. He directs Attitude Dance Company, teaches dance regularly throughout Geelong. Xavier won Best Director, Best Sound and Best Lighting awards for Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency at the Victorian Drama League Awards. www.xaviermcgettigan.com

Iris Walshe-Howling, Project Mentor
An original member of La Mama Theatre Melbourne in the 1960's, Iris has gone on to become a multi award winning director/actor. She introduced challenging, cutting edge theatre to the Surf Coast and beyond, forming an ensemble which has become renowned for pushing the envelope in theatre.
​
Melinda Chapman, Projection Design
Melinda began her career in advertising and design before shifting into the computer games industry. The highly creative culture in Geelong and its surrounding regions soon introduced her to theatre-making. She has since ventured into acting and directing for stage and has written three plays. 

Geelong Arts Centre is committed to showcasing extraordinary stories and championing connections through the making and sharing of art. We are so proud to have supported the development of a/lone through the Creative Engine grant initiative. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is internationally renowned for presenting high calibre emerging works, and this milestone performance opportunity serves as a testament to the exceptional talent born and nurtured in Geelong, as well as the immense dedication and tenacity of the Project Connect team and all involved. 
​Joel McGuinness, Geelong Arts Centre CEO & Creative Director.  

The Rehearsal Room...

In Performance...

Project Connect Thanks...

Geelong Arts Centre, Creative Engine, Michelle Sewell, Georgia Chara, Clonard College, Sandy Gray, Anglesea Performing Arts, Attitude Dance Company, our generous donors who gave to the Australian Cultural Fund and most importantly the generous people we interviewed who have allowed us to share their stories. 

Photos by Sandy Gray
​Footage by Hannah Senftleben
Show Image by Sheshtin Honey