Astra’s people snatched a green homeland from the chaos of global eco-collapse. When her scientist mother reveals a dark secret, Astra is thrust on a cosmic quest to heal her broken brother and their toxic world.
The Story
Set on a hot, post-fossil fuel Earth, ASTRA tells the story of Astra Ordott, a passionate young woman growing up in the nation of Is-Land, a corrupt Eden. Forced into exile, Astra joins an uprising of disabled youths in the toxic refugee camps of neighbouring Non-Land, where gradually her thirst for revenge transforms into a quest for justice.
The Characters
- Astra – a young girl of mixed heritage coming-of-age in the walled eco-nation of Is-Land.
- Hokma – Astra’s foster mother, who lost an eye in battle and is now a dissident peace activist.
- Peat – Astra’s foster brother, who happily takes an dose of the ‘Security Elixir’ as a child and becomes a troubled young soldier with superhuman strength and uncontrollable impulses.
- Lilt ‒ Astra’s mysterious first love, a feral non-binary child whose father has taught them uncomfortable truths about Is-Land.
- Zamrod – Hokma’s brother, torn between his conscience, his career and his love for the ruthless Clay Odinson.
- Clay Odinson – Peat’s charismatic and corrupt Commanding Officer, who exploits the passionate loyalty of the ‘Security Generation’ for his own personal gratification.
- Enki Arakkia – rapper, wheelchair warrior and leader of the Youth Action Collective (YAC), a group of disabled Non-Landers determined to return home to Is-Land.
- Muzi – Astra’s protector in Non-Land, a disabled shepherd who guides his guest through a toxic desert toward a sense of home.
- Istar – the Goddess of Love and War, Queen of Heaven and Earth
The Theatrical Experience
ASTRA is a coming-of-age epic that confronts the worst of humanity but celebrates the best in us, a gripping story in which passion, humour, solidarity and eco-innovation triumph over despair, authoritarianism, Eurocentrism and techno-nihilism. The eco-science fantasy genre reconciles science and spirituality, intellect and imagination, inspires faith in humanity, respect for Indigenous wisdom and hope for the planet, making ASTRA a show with immense appeal to global audiences, young and old.
Having begun as a work of puppet theatre (ASTRA 2022), the entirely new epic production will move away from puppets and feature a large, diverse cast. Lavish staging will include wheelchair dancing, a Deaf Rave, trapeze, bird messengers, eco-technology, a twenty-foot high wallscreen, projected geotrackers, and a haunting soundscape, making for a spectacular theatrical experience. Embracing the principle of Access for All, central to the ASTRA ethos from the project’s inception, the creative use of Audio Description and British/American Sign Language Interpretation will engage all audience members in ASTRA’s inclusive modes of communication.
CREDITS: Maps by Naomi Foyle. Photos from ASTRA 2022 of Naomi Foyle with tree branch and Sara Guedes (Astra) and Gun Suen (Peat) by Diensen Pamben @photo_diensen.