The Nightline theatre project to open at Melbourne's Malthouse Theatre

The documentary theatre project ‘The Nightline’, created by Roslyn Oades and sound artist Bob Scott, is set to open at the Malthouse Theatre in Melbourne. The production offers an immersive experience where audience members use rotary dial telephones and a switchboard-style metal panel to listen to recorded intimate conversations from strangers.

The project originated from Oades’ desire to eavesdrop on the ‘elusive breed’ of people awake during the night. For several years, she has collected messages via a dedicated phone line, capturing stories ranging from a new father singing to his infant to an aid worker returning from Yemen. The performance combines these personal calls with a surround sound layer designed by Scott to enhance the nighttime atmosphere.