In conversation with David Ottone Artistic Director of TRASH!

“With TRASH! we hope audiences walk away not only entertained but also with a new perspective on waste and sustainability.”

 - David Ottone

David Ottone.

A vibrant troupe of musicians will be performing in a fun musical family show at The Peacock Theatre, following a successful European Tour, where they will turn trash into humour with imagination and an ecological message.

The cast is made up of four talented artists including Aka Thiemele, Bruno Alves, Fran Mark and Gorka Gonzalez hailing from Spain, the Ivory Coast and Uruguay. Set in a recycling centre four workers give new life to waste and rubbish including propane tanks, umbrellas, balls, toolboxes, horns and bin bags by using percussion, movement and slapstick comedy in hilarious musical sketches. 

‘TRASH!’ is set to be a fun night out for audiences, who are invited to sing, dance and replicate rhythms with their bodies. Each night, two spectators are welcomed up to join the colourful characters on stage and become a ‘TRASH!’ musician for one night only. 

Founded in 1991, Yllana specialises in comedy and physical theatre. TRASH! is created and co-directed by David Ottone (Yllana), Jony Elias and Gorka Gonzalez (Toom Pak). We interviewed David Ottone, Artistic Director to find out more about the creative process in bringing this show to life. 

David Ottone is a Founding Member of Award-winning Spanish theatre company Yllana and has been the Artistic Director of the company since 1991. David has created and directed many theatrical productions which have been seen by more than two million spectators across 44 countries, including major cities such as New York, Paris, Milan, London, Buenos Aires, Mar del Plata, Montreal, Quebec, Istanbul, Madrid, Barcelona, and most major Spanish cities.

Yllana and Toom Pak presents the UK premiere of TRASH! at the Peacock Theatre, Sadler’s Wells’ home in the West End from Wednesday 19 February – Saturday 1 March 2025.

Yllana has been known for its physical theatre and unique blend of humour and storytelling. How would you describe the creative DNA of the company, and what makes your work stand out in the contemporary theatre landscape?

What sets Yllana apart in the contemporary theatre landscape is its ability to transcend language barriers through universally accessible humour. Our company's unique fusion of physicality and meticulously crafted comedic timing creates performances that are both visually stunning and deeply engaging. By pushing the boundaries of traditional physical theatre, Yllana has developed a signature style that is instantly recognisable-one that celebrates the art of movement, exaggeration, and playful storytelling.

How do you approach the process of creating a new show? Is it a collaborative effort, or do you have a specific methodology that guides you through each production?

Our creative process is a blend of structured planning and dynamic collaboration. It begins with selecting a subject matter that excites us, followed by the directing team developing ideas, exploring different angles, and determining how to stage the concept. This stage involves shaping the key elements of the production, such as its visual language, comedic style, and overall narrative approach.

Once we move into rehearsals, the process becomes highly collaborative. The actors play a crucial role in bringing the material to life, using improvisation and experimentation to refine and shape the ideas until the production is stage ready.

But the creative process doesn't stop there-when we open the show, the audience becomes an essential part of its evolution. Their reactions help us fine-tune the timing, rhythm, and overall flow of the comedy, allowing us to make adjustments and ensure the performance fully connects with them. This ongoing refinement keeps our work fresh, dynamic, and in constant dialogue with the audience.

Can you briefly explain the creative process of TRASH!?

A significant part of the development was dedicated to experimenting with discarded objects, discovering how they could be used both musically and theatrically. At the same time, we worked on creating distinct personalities for the characters, ensuring they each brought something unique to the performance. Alongside this, we developed visual gags and comedic moments, integrating humour seamlessly into the rhythm and storytelling.

Yllana and Toom Pak have joined forces for this production. How did the collaboration between Yllana and Toom Pak come about?

It came about naturally through mutual respect and admiration for each other's work. We were already familiar with their artistic style, and when Yllana was directing a major corporate event, we saw the perfect opportunity to bring Toom Pak on board. From the moment we worked together, it was love at first sight. That experience planted the seed for a deeper collaboration, leading us to merge our theatrical comedy and storytelling expertise with their powerful percussion and rhythm, ultimately giving birth to TRASH!

What can audiences expect from this joint performance, and how does it differ from our independent projects? 

Every collaboration Yllana undertakes is a unique journey, and that's what makes them so valuable. Each project introduces us to new artistic languages, creative processes, and ways of thinking that challenge and inspire us. Whether we're working with classical musicians, opera singers, urban percussionists, or more theatrically oriented productions, we never approach a collaboration with rigid expectations.

Instead, we embrace the unknown, allowing the creative exchange to shape the result.

Yllana and Toom Pak, TRASH!

The show seems to reflect our consumer culture, where the theme of waste is prominent. What inspired or triggered you to explore this topic?

During the creative process, we were deeply exploring urban and discarded elements, looking for ways to incorporate them into the show. When the word trash emerged as a potential title, it sparked a Eureka! moment for us. The term itself carried a powerful double meaning: it not only referred to waste and discarded materials but also had an onomatopoeic quality, reflecting the raw, percussive sounds that became central to the show's identity.

From there, we decided to fully embrace the theme of rubbish, not just as a creative tool but as a statement. Waste is all around us, a fundamental part of modern consumer culture, and we saw an opportunity to turn it into both a spectacle and a reflection of our world. The show became a way to explore how discarded materials can be transformed-both literally, through sound and performance, and metaphorically, by making audiences think about what we throw away and how we value it.

What message do you hope audiences will take away from TRASH!? How do you balance entertainment with raising awareness about environmental issues?

With TRASH! we hope audiences walk away not only entertained but also with a new perspective on waste and sustainability. The show highlights how discarded materials can be transformed into something creative and valuable, encouraging people to rethink the way they consume and dispose of everyday objects.

Was there any particular challenge in merging both company’s styles, and if so, how did you overcome it?

Rather than facing challenges in merging our styles, the process flowed naturally. From the beginning, both companies shared a creative synergy that made the collaboration feel organic. Their expertise in urban percussion and using everyday objects as instruments provided a strong foundation, while our background in comedy and theatrical storytelling helped shape the performance into a cohesive and engaging experience.

Given the ongoing environmental discussions globally, do you think there’s more room for theatre companies like yours to tackle these pressing issues in creative and unconventional ways?

It's always important for creators and artists to engage with pressing issues, including environmental concerns, but the key is finding the right balance. At Yllana, we approach storytelling with humour and theatricality, which allows us to address important topics without being overly didactic or heavy-handed. Theatre has a unique ability to spark conversations in unconventional ways. Shows like Trash are a perfect example of this approach-turning discarded objects into instruments, making music from waste, and using comedy to highlight a global issue in a fresh and engaging way.

Where do you see the future of Yllana in the coming years? Are there any new directions or projects that you're particularly excited about?

The future of Yllana is all about continuous exploration and reinvention. We are always searching for new topics, new genres, and new ways to tell stories. One thing that remains constant is our commitment to humour as a universal tool. No matter the topic or genre, we believe laughter has the power to unite people, provoke thought, and create unforgettable experiences. So, in the coming years, expect Yllana to keep surprising, experimenting, and, most importantly, making people laugh.

Yllana and Toom Pak, TRASH!

The [Quick] #FLODown:

Best life advice?

Keep positive

Last movie you watched?

Emilia Perez  …amazing 

Last book you read?

Normal People by Sally Rooney

Can't live without…?

Theatre shows 

What should the arts be more of and less of? 

More inclusive, less exclusive.

The production TRASH! will run at the Peacock Theatre from 19 February to 15 March 2025, with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes, including a 20-minute interval. Tickets start from £15. For more information, visit sadlerswells.com.