Australian comedians to present 'Thwak' at Purdue
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Umbilical Brothers, a comedy duo, will bring their distinctive theatrical experience "Thwak" to Loeb Playhouse at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 26.
Purdue Convocations is presenting the performance.
The Umbilical Brothers are a two-person physical comedy team comprised of Australians David Collins and Shane Dundas. Together they have created a performance that mixes comic imagination, physical skill and vocal creativity, said Kerry Schutt Nason, director of marketing for Purdue Convocations. Collins performs the physical antics of the show while Dundas provides an array of voices and vocal sound effects.
"The resulting 90-minute piece is so tightly choreographed that it leaves audiences amazed with the skill and precision of these two actors," Nason said. "With a technique that is reminiscent of vaudeville, the team tosses imaginary dogs in the air, chases insects with cans of bug spray and reenacts a badly dubbed martial arts movie."
The performance revolves around the age-old comedy team gag that one member is smarter than the other. In the case of the Umbilical Brothers, that competition is most often won by Dundas, whose possession of the microphone allows him to control the flow of events.
The New York Times called the performance "inspired anarchy by this pair of cartoon characters sprung to life!" and the New York Daily News said," A resounding success! This unique theatrical experience will have you howling with delight!"
"Thwak" has been performed numerous international seasons including an 11-month off-Broadway run at New York's Westbeth Theatre Center and the Minetta Lane Theater.
In addition to live theater, the Umbilical Brothers recorded all the sounds and character voices for 106 episodes of ABC's animated children's series "Maisy." They also created a series of short television spots for MTV that won them the PROMAX award for Best TV Image Announcement.
The performance is not a "family show" but is appropriate for audiences as young as 12, Nason said.
Tickets are available at the Elliott Hall and Stewart Center box offices at ()765) 494-3933 or (800) 914-SHOW. Tickets also are available through Ticketmaster outlets.
Tickets are $26 for adults and $20 for children 18 years old and younger, Purdue students and Ivy Tech Lafayette students. Group discounts for 10 or more are available by calling (765) 496-1977.
As part of a special promotion with the Lafayette Brewing Company, 622 Main St., Lafayette, ticket holders can receive half-priced appetizers following the performance.
Source: Kerry Schutt Nason, (765) 494-9071, knason@purdue.edu
Note to Journalists: Publication-quality photos of The Umbilical Brothers are available.
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
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