Going Dark will be a one man show set in a planetarium.

Paralleling the turbulent life of Johannes Kepler - one of the most significant and troubled figures in the history of astronomy - this story follows a contemporary man's struggle to engage with reality; understanding his place in the Universe and what it can possibly mean to him day to day.

We will start out as if in a conventional planetarium, being led on a guided tour around the night sky by the reassuring voice of the narrator. As the piece progresses, the planetarium gradually darkens to pitch black and as the narrator starts to betray his tranquil demeanor, the calm world which he represents starts to fragment.

We will focus on the intimate - the character's thoughts and experiences, the intimacy with the audience, and a reclaiming of a connection with the stars that has largely been lost for city dwellers. And we will contrast it with the infinite. The infinite span of time and space in the face of which reason and madness meet.

Going Dark is being made with the award winning young designer selected in collaboration with The Linbury Prize for Stage Design, Ales Valasek. An exhibition of all the finalists' work is currently being presented at the National Theatre until 6th December 2009. The other two finalists were Francesca Rodrigues and Anna Hourriere. For information on the finalists' exhibition click here.