Small Metal Objects

On their website, the Back to Back Theatre is described as making "locally devised, globally relevant and significant theatre." After seeing Small Metal Objects, I could not agree more. Apparently, Back to Back is Australia’s only theatre company with a full-time ensemble of actors considered to have an intellectual disability. One of their primary functions is to give these actors the opportunity to grow as performers, but also to create the work. And this particular work is exceptional.
Small Metal Objects is one of UTR's site-specific performances, taking place at the Whitehall Ferry Terminal. Grouped together towards the back of the terminal on a large seating embankment, each person in the audience is given a set of headphones through which music and dialogue is played. As the sounds emit from the headphones, everyone in the audience begins to look around the terminal, curious as to who is having this conversation. In truth, you almost feel like a voyeur, feeling as if you shouldn't be hearing this. Still you search onward, until out of nowhere, figures begin to materialize.
The plot of Small Metal Objects seems almost insignificant compared the experience itself, but I'll summarize. The first two men we see before us, Gary and Steve, become involved in what appears to be a drug transaction with two executives looking for $3000 worth of a good time. Gary cancels the transaction when Steve suddenly refuses to move from one spot, trying to overcome some sort of existential crisis.
The plot is quite simple. Almost mundane. Only perhaps slightly more exciting than any other conversation occurring in the ferry station. But therein lies the beauty of the piece. We are given the opportunity to eavesdrop on one tiny moment in a space filled with hundreds of people. Everyone else in the station may eventually guess what we are looking at, but none of them can hear the conversation. None of them know why we are laughing, smiling, and searching. You feel priveledged, yet connected to the audience you are experiencing this with.
Truly the most wonderous part of this theatrical event, is watching the commuters watch you. They curiously stare and ask one another "what is that all about?" They begin to search around the room too, trying desperately to be clued into the world. Some even assume that we are just sitting there, looking out at nothing. In fact, while I was there, a few people started to dance for us or sing, thinking we were their personal audience. It was slightly distracting at times, but only added to this fascinating social experiment.
Small Metal Objects doesn't feel like the theater you are used to. The audience and everyone in the ferry is so much a part of what is happening, it actually is more like technologically advanced people-watching. Still, this is theater. Wonderful theater, that should be experienced by anyone and everyone.

Katie Courtien
UTR Press Corps Volunteer


Hurry and get your tickets to Small Metal Objects!
Only 4 performances left: Sunday 1/13 @ 1:45 and 4:45
Monday 1/14 @ 2:45 and 6:45
The show is FREE!! You can just show up, but I would recommend making a reservation by calling 212.967.7555 by 5pm the day before the show you want.