REST
REST was first presented at Fringe World in 2019, and quickly found its way into the hearts of audiences. In 2021 this work was reimagined, and enchanted Perth once more.
“Sometimes unsettling, often beautiful, REST is a potent, haunting and exemplary production”
★★★★ – ArtsHub, 2019
When do the living ever get the chance to pause in a place of eternal rest? WA Youth Theatre Company and the National Trust of Western Australia gave audiences a rare chance to spend time exploring the heritage listed East Perth Cemeteries in their co-production, REST.
REST takes the form of an intimate promenade through the cemetery for small audiences. You will come face-to-face with the stories of this largely unknown and unused public space. This work creates the time for you to reflect on your life journey so far in a space surrounded by the souls who came before you.
REST 2019
Created and directed by James Berlyn in collaboration with composer Rachael Dease, lighting designer Lucy Birkinshaw, actor Monica Main, and actor/cultural adviser Rubeun Yorkshire along with 20 of WAYTCo’s finest emerging performers and makers, REST will offer Perth audiences a unique and deeply personal theatre experience in a Perth heritage landmark.
In its debut season in 2019, REST received the most awards ever at Fringe World, including the coveted Martin Sims Award.
“As fine a piece of site-specific theatre as I can remember”
★★★★★ – from The Turnstiles, 2019
REST 2021
In 2020 the WA Youth Theatre Company engaged five talented Company members, who were part of the original production, to adapt REST for the 2021 Fringe World Festival. This reimagined, intimate promenade returned with a sell-out season and enchanted audiences once again.
“Beautiful, thought provoking theatre. Simply wonderful!”
– REST Audience Member