Only Bones - Daniel Nodder
A fundraiser performance
With only one light, 1m² performance space and their jelly-like body, award-winning kiwi dancer-turned-clown Daniel Nodder (World of WearableArt 2025, Spoon Show, CRUSH THE BUG) creates an entire universe of ridiculous creatures, sounds and stories from almost nothing.
This award-winning solo show returns for ONE NIGHT ONLY, with all proceeds contributing to their upcoming 25-show season at the prestigious Edinburgh Festival Fringe this August.
Witness this nonverbal physical theatre odyssey through the cosmos – from the chaos of the Big Bang to the creation (and death) of the dinosaurs, a wibbly wobbly melting iceberg to a singing foot. Mesmerising, intimate and absurd, this minimalist work bends minds, limbs and the laws of physics alike, isolating every part of a truly elastic body.
With aspects of clowning, dance and captivating design by Te Whanganui-a-Tara locals Rebekah de Roo and Ben Kelly, Only Bones – Daniel Nodder explores the endless storytelling capabilities of the human body.
Created & Performed by Daniel Nodder
Light Design & Technical Management by Rebekah de Roo
Sound Design & Composition by Ben Kelly
Concept & Executive Producer Thom Monckton
Technical Operation by Jules McDonald
“(like) sculpture in motion” ★★★★★ – The Clothesline Adelaide
“A mesmerising comic performance that traverses space and time.” ★★★★1/2 – Artshub Melbourne
“Distilled. Wild. Cutting Edge. I would see this twice.” – Theatreview Dunedin
WINNER: Outstanding Performance / Performer Award, Dunedin Fringe 2025
WINNER: Runner up Best in Fringe, Dunedin Fringe 2025
WINNER: The Dance / Physical Theatre Award, Dunedin Fringe 2025
WINNER: Most Innovative Show, Nelson Fringe 2025
WINNER: Outside The Box Award, San Diego International Fringe 2024
WINNER: Artist Pick Award, San Diego International Fringe 2024
WINNER: Outstanding Solo Performance, New Zealand Fringe 2023
WINNER: Tour Ready Melbourne Fringe, New Zealand Fringe 2023
WINNER: The International San Diego Fringe Ready Award, New Zealand Fringe 2023
JUDGES’ PICK: Melbourne Fringe 2023
NOMINATED: Performer of the Year, Wellington Theatre Awards 2023 (Daniel Nodder)
NOMINATED: Lighting Designer of the Year, Wellington Theatre Awards 2023 (Rebekah de Roo)
NOMINATED: Composer of the Year, Wellington Theatre Awards 2023 (Ben Kelly)
Only Bones – Daniel Nodder is the eleventh iteration of a series of shows grouped together under The Only Bones Project. Created by renowned circus and physical performer Thom Monckton (The Artist, The King of Taking), each version must adhere to a simple set of rules: one light | no text | no set | no props | no narrative | all within 1m²
These tight restrictions are designed to push each performer's skill and creativity to their limits and encourage them to not just think outside the box, but explore the space within it.