AUTO-TUNE – Sydney Opera House (NSW)

Presented by Sydney Opera House UnWrapped Series & re:group

Raw and purposefully imperfect, re:group prove they are the most exciting performance collective working in NSW at the moment

Reviewed by Justin Clarke
The Studio, Sydney Opera House
Until 7th September, 2024
Tickets: https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/theatre/unwrapped-auto-tune

It seems there’s nothing that performance collective re:group can’t do. Fresh off their success of POV at Belvoir’s 25A, as well as their videography storytelling in UFO at Griffin Theatre, and the celebrated work of COIL from UnWrapped 2022, they’re back at the Sydney Opera House with AUTO-TUNE.

Step down to Wagga Wagga, into the life of Michael (a.k.a Wolf Man), a young rock band enthusiast and Silverchair fan with a hidden superpower. A time-travelling portal appears whenever Michael makes a mistake in his life. Much like the perfection of the vocal effects of auto-tune, the portal corrects the imperfections in his life. But after the biggest mistake of his life is made, can this superpower perfect the ultimate imperfection?

AUTO-TUNE, Sydney Opera House (2024). Images by Ravyna Jassani

AUTO-TUNE is an opera of sorts. Surtitles appear on two screens set up on either side of the gig stage set up in The Studio of the Opera House, matching the energy of each indie song like a 2000’s ABC Rage music video. The setup establishes a seemingly straightforward rock and roll gig, but the actual performance is anything but simple. It’s purposefully messy and raw, innovative and genre-defying, raucous and overwhelmingly loud, and at times, gut-wrenching. So yeah, an opera.

Mark Rogers leads the show as Michael, boasting an astounding ability to jump between a variety of tunes, energies and instruments. Ashley Bundang and Liam ‘Snowy’ Halliwell take on the supporting characters in Michael’s life, as well as the supporting band mates in the show. Together the three of them multi-task between instruments and characters, all the while keeping in tune with the surtitles that cascade across the screens. 

…an absolute must-see to both remind yourself what it is to be human, and rock out to a variety of indie rock and roll along the way.

What makes re:group such a beautiful group to watch is their ability to morph and make each show something new and unique. No two offerings from them are the same, and AUTO-TUNE is no exception. 

In AUTO-TUNE they show the struggle to find perfection in a changing world of technological superiority. Music and technology collide with raw humanity, reminding us that humans are flawed. Technology will never replace the honest imperfections of being alive. 

Boasting original songs, and Groundhog Day style misdirection and magic, AUTO-TUNE is an absolute must-see to both remind yourself what it is to be human, and rock out to a variety of indie rock and roll along the way. Just bring some earbuds if you’re susceptible to a cacophony of blaring electronic sounds.

AUTO-TUNE is currently playing at the Sydney Opera House until 7 September 2024.

EVENT DETAILS:
What: AUTO-TUNE
When: 4 – 7 September 2024
Where: Studio, Sydney Opera House
Price: From $45.00 + booking fee

Writer / Performer / Musician Mark Rogers
Director / Designer Solomon Thomas
Creative Producer Malcolm Whittaker
Dramaturg / Roadie Steve Wilson-Alexander
Dramaturg / Marketing Carly Young
Performer / Musician Ashley Bundang
Performer / Musician Liam ‘Snowy’ Halliwell
Lighting Designer Kelsey Lee 
Administration Intimate Spectacle