Limbo

Kia ora! 

Our names are Tom, Jimmy, and Kathy, and we are Master of Fine Arts students at Victoria University of Wellington. We have spent the better part of this year co-writing and creating our new play, Limbo. This project comes from our shared love of literature, adaptation, and using old stories to attract new audiences. 

Limbo is an original production debuting at the Victoria University of Wellington's Six Degrees Festival at BATS Theatre in January 2024.

What’s the play about?

Limbo is an original, modern Kiwi stage-adaptation of the 1300s epic poem Dante's Inferno. David Noble is a washed-up comedian riding on the coattails of fame from years past. Against his best wishes, he is plucked from his debauchery by the benevolent spirit, Virgil. Career, legacy, family - everything is on the line. 

As they peel back the layers of wrongs never righted, David is forced to confront the sins of his past to better his future. This production explores Dante’s original themes of morality, ethics, and loyalty through a modernised lens. 

Limbo is the 60-minute comedy-drama debut by director Kathy Keane. Co-written by herself, Tom Smith, and Jimmy Williamson. Presented by Keane As, in association with Believable Arts Management. 

Great! What’s the funding for?

Limbo features the talents of Ben Lamb, Ava O’Brien, Blake Boston, and Sophie Helm. Each brings their comedic chops alongside a stellar art department for a show that aims to entertain. We have been fortunate enough to gather a fantastic group of collaborators to bring this project to life. As this is a university production with a limited budget, we don't currently have the funds to support our creatives as we should. 

By donating to our campaign, you will be directly supporting our wonderful cast and crew of emerging artists so they can confidently commit to this amazing show. Your contribution would give developing practitioners the opportunity to stage their craft in a professional setting and work towards the better-paid arts industry we hope to see in Aotearoa. 

Creative Team:

Co-Writer/Director: Kathy Keane

Co-Writer/Co-Production Manager: Tom Smith

Co-Writer/Co-Production Manager: Jimmy Williamson

Stage Manager: Phoebe Robertson

Set Designer: Nathan Arnott

Set Builder: Lachlan Oosterman

Co-Lighting Designer: Josiah Matagi

Co-Lighting Designer/Operator: Ethan Cranefield

Sound Designer/Operator: Roco Moroi Thorn

Costumier: Hellena Faasili

Graphic Designer/Publicist: Cate Sharma

Performers: 

David: Ben Lamb

Virgil: Ava O’Brien

Male Twin: Blake Boston

Female Twin: Sophie Helm