The Director is a bold performance starring charismatic ex-funeral director of 21 years, Scott Turnbull, and artist Lara Thoms.

Taking up a universal experience and taboo topic, Turnbull and Thoms demystify, expose and expand elements of the death industry, using humour and first-hand knowledge to dig a little deeper on what happens after we go. Nothing is off limits, including the smell of a crematorium, the tools of the mortuary, and driving tractors into a funeral chapel. At a time when dying costs an average of $10,000 and funerals happen within a week, death can seem like a very expensive drive-thru meal.

Blurring the roles of funeral director and theatre director, Thoms and Turnbull ask each other to perform tasks, share knowledge and give feedback on each other’s actions. Balancing macabre reality, playfulness and the tragic elements of death, the result is a spiky, funny and invigorating performance.

Nominated for the 2019 Green Room Awards for Outstanding Production: Contemporary and Experimental Performance, and Outstanding Performer.

Please note: we are aware of scammers commenting on our Facebook posts and claiming to resell tickets; all bookings and refunds for this performance are ONLY made through Platform Arts via Humanitix.

About APHIDS

APHIDS is a 28-year-old artist-led, not-for-profit, experimental art organisation that forefronts intersectional feminist voices. From our home in Naarm, Melbourne, we create art of lasting global, social and cultural significance, bringing artists into meaningful exchange with audiences through performance, critical dialogue and unpredictable encounters in the private and public realm.

Collaborative and future-focused, APHIDS is led by Co-Directors Lara Thoms and Mish Grigor with Executive Producer Anna Nalpantidis. Our work is driven by what is current and urgent in contemporary culture and a passionate belief in the social role of art. Past APHIDS works have been presented in major venues with major partners in every state and territory in Australia, they have toured the world, and they have been shown in more unexpected places too: in ricefields and samurai hotels in Japan, churches in Finland, industrial zones in Bulgaria, botanic gardens, and martial arts dojos, even beamed into outer space.

Important information about our venue

Please arrive by 7.15pm in order to purchase any drinks and find your seat; the show will begin from 7.30pm.
Please note, we are a dry venue. We will have non-alcoholic drinks by Monday distillery and Heaps Normal for sale, and you are welcome to bring coffees purchased from other venues.
Seats are not allocated, but the front rows are reserved for people with access needs. Please email us to discuss prior, or inform Front of House staff upon arrival.
Our entrance for performances is located at 40 Gheringhap St, and will be illuminated. This entrance is wheelchair-accessible but please note the glass doors are not automatic and are quite heavy. More information on getting here
There is a lift from Ground floor to Level 1. Upon entering, you will see it tucked away to the left of the downstairs cafe. Detailed information on accessibility at this event can be found here
Content advisory: this presentation contains references to death, mourning and loss.