Pathetic Fallacy examines our changing relationship to weather. It circles around climate change and lands on one person. Reflection outweighs didacticism, with wit and curiosity. Urgently drawing together landscape painting, small talk, meteorological science and pathetic fallacy—the attribution of human feelings and responses to inanimate things like the weather—this piece questions the value of emotion in the face of a coming storm.
Creator Anita Rochon set herself the challenge of creating a touring piece where no performer goes on tour. Each show a different local stand-in takes on the central role in a curious and hopeful show that draws a line between ancient weather gods and our present-day climate. The performer receives all their staging instructions live, standing in front of a temperamental broadcast media green screen. It’s an original collision of DIY cinematography, action film, choreography, a gallery talk and weather forecasting —all with the immediacy of live performance.
Pathetic Fallacy was revamped for live-stream performance with the digital development support of Rumble Theatre in November, 2020 for a presentation at Progress Lab 1422. Touring of the digital, COVID-19 safe presentation of the work is now possible. Please contact anita@thechoptheatre.com for current touring and presentation info.
Pathetic Fallacy has toured to Hong Kong Arts Festival, Yukon Arts Centre, Canada Hub at Edinburgh Fringe, FoldA, Darwin Festival, Offta & Farnham Maltings.
Theatre Replacement commissioned the creation of this piece as part of a COLLIDER Residency and it was first presented at their 2018 PuShOff series. Farnham Maltings generously supported the project through a development residency. The show is also supported by the City of Vancouver & the Canada Council for the Arts.
Text & Direction – Anita Rochon
Projection Design – Candelario Andrade & Milton Lim
Original Projection Design – Jordan Lloyd Watkins
Dramaturgy – Emelia Symington Fedy & Sarah Stanley
Outside Eye – Mark Chavez
Lighting Design – Itai Erdal
Video Audio – Malcolm Dow
Digital Development Support – Rumble Theatre
Contact for booking
For booking or more information please contact anita@thechoptheatre.com.
Photos by Cande Andrade, Samantha Madely & Peter Pokorny
