One of the challenges of modern medicine is how to retain what we used to call the art of medicine—how patients are treated individually, humanely, humanistically whilst bringing the best of technology to assist in treatment. How to maintain the connection between doctor and patient when the medical profession, in many cases, has become something of a rock star career.
Pippi (Alison Bennett) has checked herself into a medical facility in order to receive treatment for some unspecified illness. She is surrounded by antiseptic gadgetry and staff interested more in technology and fame (Kate Walder) than the patient undergoing treatment. Although later in the piece, Nursie (Nick O’Regan) develops some old-fashioned care-for-the-patient as Pippi’s condition deteriorates.
Roomba Nation is an absurdist piece which attempts to explore these issues, and then some. The set (by Duncan Maurice) is suitably sterile and icy and Alex Torney’s lighting emphasises the very surgical nature of the place. Three roombas dressed as robots employed in serving health care glide around the floor but their presence is a little 
underwhelming, given the importance of their place in the story.
The play connects better about half-way through. It seemed to struggle initially finding its feet and whilst the visual metaphors work well, some of the dialogue is rather simplistic. There is humour which found its mark strongly with some of the audience. A strong sense of improvisation pervades the piece. Great things can come from improvising, sharing ideas, bringing depth and breadth of experience together. Some more work may sharpen up the script and make it punchier.
Kate Stratford – On The Town
Roomba Nation
Concept & Director Alison Bennett
4 – 21 July 2018
Tuesday – Saturday 8pm
Venue: 505 Theatre
Theatre Company: Hurrah Hurrah
Duration: N/A
Pippie is a curious character. She makes friend’s with cockroaches, cuts her own hair and generally makes up her own rules. Until Pippie discovers that she is the carrier of a medical anomaly. Alone in her ward, Pippie comes to realise that things are serious. Isolated from her world of crooked comforts, Pippie befriends what ever she can…including a Roomba robotic vacuum cleaner.
Roomba Nation takes us on a journey of realisation and the acceptance of a fate that befalls us all. Its dreamlike world asks us to consider the delicate balance of improved quality of life and solitude that our modern conveniences can bring.
After the critical acclaim of Trade in 2017, Hurrah Hurrah bring you this beautiful new work that will make you laugh and then break your heart.
Ticket Prices
$45 Premium Adults*
$40 Adults
$30 Concession, Industry & Under 30
‘Pay what you want’ Previews
