Set in Alice Springs in 2039 the audience watch as four generations through the ages as two families share tender moments of love and happiness in which life changes in an instant becoming toxic and beyond any chance of repair!
The physical theatre production with the cast of six flows backwards and forwards between the generations as the story unfolds. You are not prepared for how and when the story takes the turns into uncomfortable territory.
Vivienne Smith delivers an outstanding performance in the role of Elizabeth Law an alcoholic grief-struck mother and wife who never comes to terms with the shocking and abhorrent truth that she abruptly discovers! The challenges facing Aidan Crawford in his role as Henry Law highlighted his excellent acting ability.
Set between two hemispheres the hustle and bustle chaotic life in the London flat juxtaposes against the peaceful and quieter life on the South Australian coast. Where watching the blanket of stars in the shadow of Ayres Rock sounds tranquil and appealing. However, the tragedy closely connecting these two countries left me cold!
Director Gemma Maddock really captured the heart of this story the relatively larger cast in the smaller Fringe Theatre shows the vision and creativity in her attention to details as space is more compact and utilizing every inch of the stage is vital especially with the amount of movement that takes place.
I especially liked the changing usage of the family dining table where much of the story took place either around it, on it or underneath it a seen in the accompanying photographs. The hub of a family is often referred to as being the dining table where families often meet to eat and socialise.
The persistent rain soundtrack throughout the performance by its composer Nick Di Gregorio is an interesting choice and while tragedy rains down upon the cast it’s continuously in the background. I would recommend visiting the toilet before you go to watch the play though!
This very clever and intertwined storyline echoes many families lives where one heartbreaking action taken by one member of the family leaves a trail of scars which is carried on into the next generation without those involved fully understanding it’s origins.
The line of miscommunication destroyed the relationships of the four generations within this play. Leaving the question of how well do we actually know those closest to us!
Four Stars.
Photographs courtesy of My Theatre Mates Twitter account.
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