POV enters the mind’s eye of Bub, an 11-year-old girl who’s obsessed with documentary filmmaking. In the aftermath of a family breakdown, she turns to dramatised re-enact­ments to try to figure out what happened.

For upcoming show POV, ten Tasmanian actors have been cast as Mum and Dad, who will work alongside an 11 year old actor who directs them through the show. The cast gets the script 24 hours before the show begins. The twist? The audience won’t know who will be play­ing mum and dad until they get to the theatre. Each show is different based on the actors in the room. This show deals with navigating tough questions about parenting, mental health and the way we communicate with kids. It’s also very, very funny. A beautiful, hilarious and profound family portrait. We spoke with Jane Johnson, one of the actors in POV and Artistic Director of Mudlark Theatre.

POV is a documentary-theatre show directed by an 11-year-old on stage without any rehearsals with the two actors cast as their parents. How are you feeling about being directed by an 11-year-old?

Really excited – and intrigued. I love the rehearsal process – it’s actually my favourite part of being in a show (even more so than a performance season). I love the timespan of working with a director, actors, and production team and deep-diving into text and a whole new world together. So, to skip that process and be doing it in real time, onstage, in front of an audience is definitely out of my comfort zone. POV is a three-hander and directed by an 11-year-old actor. I really can’t wait to see how it all unfolds and to experience that real time connec­tion with my fellow performers and the audience.

What does it feel like to enter into a performance like this with no script?

Thrilling and daunting. It really requires you to lean into trust and courage, and to be entirely present and in the moment. Of course, as actors, these are things we should always bring to a show but will be even more essential in the context of show like POV. I can’t wait for the experience – and am also asking myself “why are you going to do this to yourself! Stoked to have the chance to collaborate with re:group collective – a company I have so much respect and admiration for.

Mudlark Theatre helped with the casting – what was that like?

The dynamics of the Mum/Dad pairings were very important and were worked through in consultation with re:group and the presenters, and things gradually fell into place. It was an honour to be involved with the casting process but, to be honest, it was hard – simply because of the phenomenal talent we have here in Lutruwita. It could have been cast 10 times over – and I wish it could be. Mudlark are driven to provide and sup­port as many opportunities for employ­ment for Tasmanian artists as possible. I just wish we could do more and that there was more work, support and fund­ing available so that the brilliant ideas, passion, and talent we all know is here can reach rehearsal rooms and stages across the State. I have so much love and respect for our theatre community.

What can audiences expect from POV?

Well, I know about as much as the audience does at this point! re:group are an incredible Australian company who are gaining international recognition for the work they create – and the way they create it. They transform the traditional theatre-going experience into something truly immersive and highly creative with great humour, authenticity and heart. So, I think audiences should expect to be moved, entertained, and to expect the unexpected! This is a rare opportunity to experience a theatre show like this – I’m grateful to Theatre North and Theatre Royal for bringing it to the Island and hope Tassie audiences get behind it.

You can catch POV at Theatre Royal Hobart and Theatre North during Sep­tember.