This is a tour de force of a performance of a tour de force of a play
This is a little gem of theatre. The writing crackles, the acting dazzles, and design is a textbook exemplar of economy, ingenuity and delight.
A provocative new festival piece, a premiere Australian work, re-imagined international and Australian classics and a post-modern masterpiece that rocks the very foundations of theatre itself are just some of the highlights making up State Theatre Company South Australia’s 2020 season, the first program from its new artistic director Mitchell Butel.
Emily Steel was recently awarded the Jill Blewett Playwright’s Award and one can see why in this production; her autobiographical script is flawless. She elucidates every single devastating decision that lead her to the ultimatum, whilst providing audience members with emotional relief with illuminating moments of genuine humour.
A woman in a ruched bright red one-piece swimsuit smiles at us through the glass door that separates us from the pool room. She mimes removing shoes.
State Theatre Company’s Resident Director Nescha Jelk directs Emily Steel’s brand new adaptation of Ben Jonson’s outstanding and outrageous comedy, starring paul Blackwell.
Watching Sepia feels like stumbling scross a pleasant surprise.