Only Bones - Daniel Nodder
One light bulb, one jelly-like performer, all within 1m². A mind-bending physical theatre solo.
With only one light, 1m² performance space and their jelly-like body, award-winning kiwi dancer-turned-clown Daniel Nodder creates an entire universe of ridiculous creatures, sounds and stories from almost nothing.
Witness a 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. With aspects of clowning, dance and captivating design, Only Bones – Daniel Nodder explores the endless storytelling capabilities of the human body.
★★★★★ '[like] sculpture in motion' (The Clothesline Adelaide)
★★★★1/2 'Mesmerising' (ArtsHub)
'World class. Out of this world, even' (Theatreview Dunedin)
WINNER | Artist's Pick Award - San Diego Fringe 2024
WINNER | Outstanding Solo Performance - NZ Fringe 2023
WINNER | Most Innovative Production - Nelson Fringe 2025
WINNER | Dance / Physical Theatre Award - Dunedin Fringe 2025
WINNER | Outstanding Performance Award Dunedin Fringe 2025
WINNER | Outside the Box Award - San Diego Fringe 2024
WINNER | Runner Up Best in Fringe - Dunedin Fringe 2025
Judges Pick - Melbourne Fringe 2023
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, 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. Other creators include Trygve Wakenshaw, Ella Bart and Marina Cherry.
Was good