She Only Barks at Night - The Living Room Theatre

Overview

Live taxidermy isn't something seen on many theatre bills. Then again, She Only Barks at Night by The Living Room Theatre (they made 2013's acclaimed I Love Todd Sampson) is not your typical stage performance. Across five intimate shows, the historic University of Sydney will be transformed into an interactive playground of installations, exhibitions and live performances exploring 19th-century female hysteria and controversial hypnosis treatments.

Michelle St Anne, the show's creator, has roped in multidisciplinary talents for an unsettling insight into mental health and womanhood. There'll be music from acclaimed trumpeter Shota Matsumura and double bassist Clayton Thomas, headwear from designer Rosie Boylan (who's worked on The Great Gatsby and Moulin Rouge), costuming by Lian Loke, taxidermy by Gavin Burland plus performances by four of Burwood Girls High School's budding performers.

And did we mention Andalusian mare Bliss (measuring 16 hands high) will be making an appearance alongside trainer Kate Fenner? Not for the faint-hearted, this dark theatrical experience including live dissection and nudity is guaranteed to twist your perspective on how we look at the mind.

This performance takes place at the Vet School Roundhouse, Macleay Museum and other locations within the University of Sydney.