The Sky Is Well Designed

by Patrick McCarthy

Two scientists venture out into the desert to play music to the earth's dying atmosphere. A work of quiet conversations and stunning sound.

The Sky Is Well Designed examines the ways in which our relationship to transience and nature is shifting amidst the dual forces of digital existence and climate change. A collaboration between writer-director Patrick McCarthy and composer Robert Jordan, this project utilises hyper-realist performance and a live electronic score.

Writer and Director Patrick McCarthy

Sound Design and Composition Robert Jordan

Set and Costume Design Zoe Rouse

Lighting Design Kris Chainey

Performed by Ben Pfeiffer and Emily Tomlins

Dramaturgy (text) Raimondo Cortese

Stage Management Jeffrey Miceli

Duration 60 minutes

Emily Tomlins in The Sky Is Well Designed

“Just like Sputnik, global warming has stigmatised the sky: what used to be a moving star became a delivery system; what used to be the weather is now a vengeful climate.”

Douglas Kahn, Earth Sound Earth Signal

Nominee — Best Performance, 2017 Melbourne Fringe Festival

Nominee — Best Sound/Composition, 2018 Green Room Awards

Emily Tomlins and Ben Pfeiffer in The Sky Is Well Designed, one crouched over equipment on the desert floor

Previous seasons

Northcote Town Hall, Studio 1

Darebin Arts Speakeasy and Melbourne Fringe Festival

15 – 28 September 2017

This project was developed with the support of Chamber Made Opera through their Little Operations program, and by Creative Victoria and the VCA through a Professional Pathways Scholarship.