Ecz-asth-perated Fever

Absurd Degree Productions presents 'Ecz-asth-perated Fever' - set to debut at the 2026 Wellington Fringe Festival from 24th-28th February in the Dome at BATS Theatre.

'Ecz-asth-perated Fever' is an original play written by an emerging absurdist playwright Christian Heart. The story takes place in a world where diseases are humanoid and work for a criminal organisation entitled ‘The Monetisation of Earthly Diseases Incorporated’ or ‘Med Inc.’ for short. Founded by the Black Death upon his retirement from freelance work in 1353, the dystopian organisation (inspired by Orwell’s 1984) provides a valuable setting for critiquing the fascist ideals disguised within a capitalist system. Through comedic prose, and an abundance of itching, sneezing and coughing, the play tackles relevant political themes with a primary focus on the malevolence of healthcare pricing/funding. 

Here at Absurd Degree Productions, our kaupapa involves active collaboration between the plethora of emerging creatives that have signed onto the project. We want to collectively create an artistic, absurd and politically charged play that’s like nothing Fringe has ever seen before. There are too many students who have allowed their health to deteriorate due to the fear of financial ruin that Aotearoa’s healthcare system imposes. The entirety of the Absurd Degree Productions team is made up of current and recently-graduated students who have either experienced exorbitant healthcare pricing or are close with someone who has. Together, we aim to send a message that Aotearoa’s healthcare should be a priority!

Our large cast/crew is made up of 16 recently graduated (or soon to graduate) students from the Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington - theatre programme.  Each individual brings divine talent to their role within the show. As a collective, the company is a marvel of collaboration and passionate theatre-making.  

From an original script to original musical composition, you can expect every aspect of this show to be unique and imbued with character. 

We are raising money to ensure we have the funds to 'construct' the world of MED Inc. in BATS Theatre. Due to the absurd nature of our production, this will primarily cover make-up/costumes to ensure our diseases look 'infectiously gross' along with a detail-oriented set. 

Furthermore, the majority of this funding (along with the generous funding supplied by WCC and NZ Fringe) will go towards paying our spectacular team of creatives for their abundance of mahi. This show wouldn't exist without the magical talents of our cast and crew. 

Leaching off of the human healthcare system isn’t a hobby, it’s a full-time job… 

Welcome to MED Inc., a.k.a ‘The Monetisation of Earthly Diseases, Incorporated’. Founded in 1353 by the Black Death upon his retirement from freelance field-work, we provide the world’s substantial array of diseases with both a workplace and a home. 

In this nauseating tale, three conditions residing in the lower ‘atopic’ suites - Asthma, Eczema and Hay Fever - find themselves with a desire for more recognition for their services to MED INC. Upon an optimistic meeting with the Black Death, he informs the trio of what must be done in order to climb up the capitalist ladder: ensure a client’s life is a personal hell for one week and finish by killing them on the 7th day. Murder can take a mental toll on a disease only known for its irritating symptoms, how will our sickly crew deal with this challenge?

Roughly 16-17% of New Zealanders can't afford a GP visit.

An estimated 25.7% of young adults (aged 15-24) in New Zealand avoid receiving healthcare due to delays/costs within the system. That's one in four people. 

Our goal is to spread awareness of the financial troubles that New Zealanders (particularly students) face due to the exorbitant pricing of healthcare. Any support we receive will aid in sending this message through absurd and artistic prose. 

Our cast/crew are working tirelessly to bring this message to audiences and your donations will support their craft as the new generation of Aotearoa creatives.