The Fall is a breathtaking one hour visual spectacle which blends theatre with original animations, live music and projection to unfold a story about one man's struggle with depression and his unusual path to hope. This play is a new adaptation by EmpathEyes, inspired by Tarsem Singh's 2006 film, also entitled The Fall.
After a failed suicide attempt, a bedridden man tricks a young girl in the hospital to bring him painkillers with the intention of overdosing. He manipulates her attention by telling vibrant stories about the journeys of 5 heroes (represented by ever-changing animation on a screen behind him). As the young girl becomes attached to these characters, the man finds himself inspired by her goodwill and innocence. Yet he finds his cynicism and dejectedness seeping into his storytelling - the fate of the heroes kept hostage by his increasingly despondent mind-set.
Alongside the show there will be an exhibition on 'Depression and Hope' which follows the emotional journey of the play, starting with the beginnings of a mental illness, the experience when in the depths of psychosis and the emergence of hope.
EmpathEyes are a performing arts company that thrives on making work that is raw, honest and has at its core the desire to collaborate with others and fundamentally challenge ourselves and audiences. Their projects stem from the desire to expose and explore the deep crevices of inequality and injustice. They have been drawn to epic stories like One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, The Goat, 1984 and Kafka's The Trial and have brought these to life on stage by adding their own touch of original live music, animation, and film to the mix. They are deeply inspired by art that makes us question and not sit idle and they beckon their audiences to do the same.
