Survival On A Strange Planet | Darcie Rae Boatswain and Calum Johnston
Images: Geoff Lawrence, Creative Futures Photography
What would you expect to experience when you visit a world that you first see through science fiction B-movies? In Survival On A Strange Planet, co-creators Darcie Rae Boatswain and Calum Johnston use this question as an entry point for a show that blends aerial and whip-cracking skills with humour, lip-synch and puppetry to explore ‘how the stories we tell shape our views of the world around us […]in a fun-filled adventure.‘
Survival On A Strange Planet is an often funny take on how an alien might try to understand humanity through pop-culture that doubles as showcase for the aerial, lip-synching and whip-cracking skills of Grace Law (Performer), and for the puppetry talents of Calum Johnston (Co-Creator and Performer). One of my favourite moments of this new work was the opening rural idyll, and amusing cow and calf puppetry; we were all ready to boo the calf-abducting alien, and cheer when the cow appeared to be reunited with her calf. Law’s skills on the aerial straps and silks were also a literal highlight of the show—with powerful moves, holds and transitions, and great support by the rigger/stage manager.
The surreal nature of the show is enhanced by the mostly two-dimensional design of the cardboard set. Survival On A Strange Planet has an impressive array of elements that are used to create the apartment that the crash-landed alien takes refuge in. The cupboard, fridge, microwave and sofa all work well—and the placating the dog with a bone, and microwave popcorn moments, were funny highlights in the ‘first encounter’ scene.
Images: Geoff Lawrence, Creative Futures Photography
The creatives have also developed an excellent soundscape, which includes extracts from relevant classical pieces that emphasise the contrast between the lovely rural idyll, and the subsequent use of Holst’s’ ‘bringer of war’ chords for the moments of attack. The two performers mainly communicate and connect through mime, circus and puppetry, but there is still a significant amount of language. The quick-fire snippets from various TV programs, films and news reports—including extracts from the Julia Gillard misogyny speech- were a clever way to reference the changing of the TV channels, as the alien seeks to assimilate popular culture. The ability to bring to life items from the TV screen was also a nice touch.
There is much to love in this whimsical show, particularly the combination of circus and puppetry. There are a few areas where I feel that tweaks to this work in progress be taken to the next level through future development—particularly though lighting design, and the narrative arc.
Overall, the lighting design works well, but experiencing the puppetry—particularly for the fluorescent alien, created by the black-suited Johnston—was better in the lower lighting levels. Johnston is a talented puppeteer, but I was slightly distracted by being able to see the performer in the brighter lighting. In the lower lighting levels, such as where the performers are seated watching the television, it was much easier to focus on the fluorescent alien. It would be great to see what is possible in a different venue, with the support of a lighting designer and a more sophisticated lighting rig.
Images: Geoff Lawrence, Creative Futures Photography
The story was engaging, particularly the setup of the alien’s crash landing, and their exploration of the earthling’s home. The second half was more surreal, and I did find some elements, such as the later ‘tinsel fight’ scene, a little confusing. The next creative development could be strengthened with the support of a dramaturg to further align their vision for the project with the final version of the show—possibly by looking to develop a family-friendly version that would be suitable for families and those age 7-14.
Darcie Rae Boatswain (Co-Creator and Director) is a talented circus artist and teacher and has a strong track record as a director and creative producer, which is why I was delighted to see Survival on a Strange Planet in the 2025 Backbone Festival. This is a charming show, and great concept, and I look forward to seeing future developments.
Survival On A Strange Planet played at Ron Hurley Theatre, Seven Hills Hub from 23-27 October 2025. 45 minutes. The reviewer attended the Thursday 23rd October 6:30pm performance.
Images: Geoff Lawrence, Creative Futures Photography
