About ALONE
Feminism, Climate Change and David Bowie
“Alone” by Luke Thornborough premiered at the Auckland Fringe Festival in 2020. The play quickly garnered attention for its ambitious storytelling and thought-provoking themes. Thornborough’s initial inspiration came from a desire to create a narrative
that serves as an allegory for contemporary global challenges, particularly the issues of division and climate change. The play’s setting—a space mission to a dying Earth—provided a dramatic backdrop for exploring these themes.
The writing process for “Alone” was iterative and collaborative. Thornborough began with a brief twenty-page draft outlining the key moments but had yet to fully develop the characters. As the script evolved, he focused on enriching the dialogue, drawing inspiration from the real-life interactions of the actors cast in the lead roles. This approach helped shape the distinct voices of the characters, Dr. Sarah Taylor (played by Kat Glass) and Jessica Holland (played by Courtney Bassett).
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Thornborough sought feedback from various sources to ensure authenticity and accuracy,
particularly in the scientific aspects of the play. Consulting with Dr. Steve Wells, a physicist from the University of Auckland, helped refine the depiction of oxygen depletion and other scientific details. The script underwent approximately nine drafts before entering rehearsals, with additional revisions based on feedback from actors and diverse audiences.
“Alone” is distinguished by its exploration of themes such as the clash between faith and nihilism, the impact of sexism, and the existential struggle against climate change. The play’s portrayal of Dr. Taylor’s religious faith versus Holland’s cheerful nihilism
resonated with audiences, sparking discussions about the meaning of life and human connection.
The play also addressed contemporary issues like misogyny and climate change, reflecting Thornborough’s commitment to addressing real-world problems through theatre. The reception was positive, with praise for its thought-provoking narrative and the depth of its character exploration. Following its successful premiere, “Alone” continued to be performed and received acclaim for its innovative approach and compelling storytelling. It was recognized at various theatre awards, including the Auckland Fringe Festival Awards and The New Zealand Fringe Festival Awards - where it received accolades for its script, direction and the performances of Bassett and Glass. It went on tour extensively throughout New Zealand and Australia before having a month long season at
Edinburgh Fringe Festival with Assembly.
