Straight from a 25-show marathon season at Edinburgh Fringe, this collision of nonverbal physical theatre, absurd comedy and spine-tingling contortion makes its triumphant return to Melbourne Fringe. Kiwi dancer and clown Daniel Nodder (they/he) creates an epic journey across a strange universe, all within a strict 1-square-meter performance space. The École Phillipe Gaulier alumni moves, clowns, and bends to the ends of the earth in this genre-defying piece of theatre.
This tour-de-force solo performance is supported by an original sci-fi-jazz score and a single light-bulb as a co-star given life by innovative technical design. Without speaking a single word, Nodder takes you through time – from the chaos of the big bang, to the comedically tragic death of the dinosaurs, the mysterious, wonderful alien life scattered in outer space, all the way to a black-hole at the end of the universe. This mesmerising, intimate and hilarious physical work celebrates the endless storytelling capabilities of the human body.
The Only Bones Project
Created by award-winning physical and circus performer Thom Monckton (The Artist, The King of Taking), this worldwide project challenges artists to create a show under minimalist restrictions: one light, no narrative, no set, no props, no text, and all within one metre squared. Artists are then left much to their own devices to create their own world within a concept. Only Bones – Daniel Nodder is the eleventh iteration of The Only Bones Project.
Creator and performer Daniel Nodder said: “I’ve always found that my body moves in a super unique, kind of weird way. This show has been an opportunity to turn all of that weirdness into something wonderful. It’s a celebration of all the odd stuff, all the creativity, storytelling and humour that is stored in our muscles, bits and bones. Thom had been an artist that I’d looked up to for quite a while, so making this show with him as a mentor was a dream come true.”
Created by a collective of Aotearoa / New Zealand’s most exciting emerging artists, this iteration has picked up awards across New Zealand, Australia and the USA since its premiere in 2023 including Outstanding Solo Performance (NZ Fringe 2023), Artist’s Pick (San Diego Fringe 2024) and Most Innovative Show (Nelson Fringe 2025).
This physical performance masterpiece is packed full of laughs, gasps and exceptionally challenging feats of dance and physical theatre.
Only Bones – Daniel Nodder will play at The Meeting Room in The Trades Hall from September 30th – October 11th.
https://www.melbournefringe.com.au/whats-on/events/only-bones-daniel-nodder
Image: Christian Best
