We sat down for a chat with David Ottone, the artistic director of TRASH!
What sparked the idea to turn everyday waste into musical instruments and create an entire show around it? Was there a specific “aha” moment that led to TRASH!?
TRASH! is a collaboration between two companies: Yllana and Toom Pack. At Yllana, we specialize in physical comedy, while Toom Pack focuses more on percussion. For years, Toom Pack had been exploring how to use everyday objects to create music and theater, and this innovative approach immediately caught our interest.
When we decided to join forces, we delved deeper into the themes of waste and recycling, which became the core of the show. Early in the creative process, we came up with the title TRASH!, which served as both a concept and a creative springboard. For us, “Trash” not only references waste but also evokes the onomatopoeic sound of something being struck—perfect for a percussion-based show. That title helped us focus our research and further refine our vision.
With audience members joining the performers on stage each night, what’s been the most surprising or memorable moment from these interactions during your European tour?
We love involving the audience in our shows—it’s a trademark of Yllana. Our goal is always to make the audience feel like they’re part of the performance, and there’s constant interaction: clapping, stomping, singing, and more.
There’s one specific moment in TRASH! that takes this interaction to another level. In this number, we invite two spectators on stage to join us in creating an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind moment. It’s a carefully crafted sequence that blends Beethoven, slapstick, and plastic bottles with whatever spontaneous magic happens with our “volunteers.” Every night is different, and that unpredictability is the magic of live theatre.
From propane tanks to plastic bottles, the instruments in TRASH! are truly unconventional. Which one was the most challenging to create or master, and do you have a personal favorite?
There are many percussion-based shows around the world, so one of our main goals with TRASH! was to create something unique and original. Research and development (R&D) were essential in achieving this.
One of my favorite creations in the show is a sequence where we attach inflated plastic balls to ropes and use them to hit containers. Rhythmically, it’s very powerful, but what makes it stand out for me is the visual impact—it’s both musically and visually captivating.
With cast members hailing from Spain, Uruguay, and the Ivory Coast, how do the performers’ diverse backgrounds influence the show’s energy and style?
One of the biggest strengths of TRASH! is its multicultural cast. Each performer brings something unique from their own culture, whether it’s a specific style of dance, movement, or rhythm. These diverse influences give the show its dynamic energy and universal appeal. TRASH! is truly an international show with a universal language.
TRASH! blends humor, music, and a subtle environmental message. What do you hope audiences take away from the show, both in terms of entertainment and awareness?
Comedy is a powerful way to address complex issues. While TRASH! is primarily an entertaining show, it carries an underlying message about recycling and the excessive waste we produce as humans. Simply showing how discarded objects can be transformed into something useful and beautiful is a statement in itself.
If we can inspire audiences to think differently about waste while also entertaining them, then that message becomes even more impactful.
TRASH! will run at Peacock Theatre, WC2
Tuesday 18 February – Saturday 1 March 2025