What's On

Scary Goats Theatre Presents "Elephant Rope" (Melbourne Fringe Festival)
 

"It doesn't matter what I do. Nothing will change. ”

Elephants are one of the strongest creatures on Earth, but even they won’t fight the rope that binds them.

Elephant Rope is a new theatrical work written by Richard Mealey (My Failed Career, FryPan), inspired by this frightening allegory of conditioning and control.

When Jeph (Mealey) wakes up in the hospital, he finds himself confronted by the enigmatic Doctor Sidney (Sass Pinci, Dark Arcadia, FryPan) who forces him to face his greatest insecurities; but the deeper they go, the tighter Jeph feels the pull of the rope.

Directed by Kate Weston (The Merry Wives of Windsor, A Twist of Fate Seasons 1&2) and produced by Jess Budin (Girt By Sea, Law Revue) Elephant Rope is a horror comedy exposing uncomfortable truths, the trappings of depression, and the brutal reality of getting better.

Presented by Scary Goats Theatre, Elephant Rope will make its world premiere during Melbourne Fringe 2025 at the Motley Bauhaus.

“Richard Mealey was [my] favourite part of the show ... . Very authoritative energy.” - Praise Dionysus!

“Richard brought so much while on stage. It was a masterclass in physicality” - Barney Pollock (Thank God You’re Here)

"Sass’s raw emotion is a privilege to watch. She made a very sympathetic character, and felt very real."
- Ryan O’Connor (Victorian Drama League)

 

Event details

Venue: The Motley Bauhaus
Bookings: https://www.melbournefringe.com.au/whats-on/events/elephant-rope
Start Date: Sunday 05 October 2025

Event Warnings

Contains Haze, Both Sudden and Sustained Loud Noises, Moderate coarse language

Content Warnings

Violence, Self Harm or Suicide, Emotional Abuse, Staged Violence, Death, Mental Health, Murder, Simulated Blood, Use of Replica Weapons

 

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