The decision to have a child weighs heavily on some couples, and for Daisy and Michael, their concern centres on the environmental cost of bringing a child into the world
Written by Maud Dromgoole, 3 Billion Seconds is chaotic by design. The script jumps between ideas, is intentionally repetitive, and poses uncomfortable questions.
Obsessed with achieving a net-zero existence, Daisy and Michael take turns addressing the audience, declaring in unison: “Population is the single greatest threat to society,” as a constantly rising counter reinforces their point.
In her directorial debut, Dominique Purdue shares, “3 Billion Seconds reads as a stream of consciousness rather than a play with scenes and characters. Even though I was daunted by how challenging this would be to bring to life, I was also incredibly excited by it.” She adds, “Underneath all the facts, statistics and scientific quotes, it really is just about two scared people trying to make a life for themselves and their child in this crazy world.”
Starring Izabella Louk (Daisy) and Victor Y Z Xu (Michael), the pair though not romantically connected, they are having a baby. However, this isn’t the only story; the narrative veers into an alternate thread exploring death, time, illness, and ultimately, choice. Examining contradictions in how life and its perceived sacredness are valued.
Purdue notes: “The characters do very wrong and crazy things and commit literal crimes. But their underlying fear and anxiety that spurs them to act are also incredibly valid and relatable.”
Xu’s Michael growls with intensity, while Louk delivers a wonderfully manic performance, especially as she shifts personas through distinct physicality, expression, and tone.
Caity Cowan’s lighting shifts help refocus the audience and delineate scenes, creating an eerie atmosphere, while subtle sound design (Cameron Smith) supports the unfolding tension. Mia MacCormick’s set, a sandbox, suggests the metaphorical sands of time.
This is firmly an art-house work. For a black comedy, it offers few laughs, instead leaning into deeply unsettling material. At times, the pacing feels drawn out, and tighter editing could sharpen its impact.
Purdue notes: “That morally grey area between these two spaces is what I want audiences to be debating. What would they do in these situations?” This is an absurdist show that deliberately goes off the rails. It’s not an easy or relaxing watch; its shifting narratives demand attention and will send audiences home with questions.
3 stars
Presented by Blinking Light 3 Billion Seconds is playing at KXT in Broadway Sydney until 2 May 2026.
Run time: approximately 85 minutes (no interval)
For tickets visit KXT
Looking for a pre- or post-show bite? Gavroche Brasserie is located close by. For more suggestions, check out Bites & Sips.
BACCHUS AT THE THEATRE 
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