Presented by State Theatre Company & Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company
Reviewed 30 May 2017
A brilliantly humorous, tear-jerking and heart-warming production, Sista Girl presents the emotional journeys of two half-sisters from completely opposite backgrounds as they meet for the first time after the death of their father.
Italian-Australian Georgie catches the bus in her stolen Adidas jumper to visit her dementia-addled Nonna (her last remaining close relative) in a retirement home when she receives a call that the father who abandoned her when she was just six years old is in hospital. At the exact same moment Aboriginal Nakisha is driving her fancy, black sports car to a luncheon in order to get papers signed for an important deal for her father’s mining company. Her phone rings and she receives the devastating news that her father is in hospital. As she rushes to the hospital, little does she know that she is soon to meet a sister she never knew existed.
Sista Girl delves into many modern-day social issues; from racism and discrimination, to abandonment and loneliness, and the desperate search for identity and belonging in a complicated, multi-cultural Australia. As the audience shares this fateful day, the troubles and tragedies within both the characters’ individual journeys come to light, contrasting in some ways, but mirroring in others; despite living almost opposite lives, these women are not all that different.
The imaginative stage provides a great creative break from the traditional, taking the form a projected circular platform, similar to a merry-go-round you’d find in a playground, containing different levels in which majority of the acting takes place. This turning stage allows both actors to be in different scenarios and settings yet still remain linked throughout the entire performance, reinforcing the connection these women share.
Nadia Rossi is utterly flawless as the boisterous, good-humoured and big-hearted Italian-Australian Georgie who, despite a traumatic childhood and lonely life, finds a way to remain generous and empathetic. Rossi is totally believable; fully engrossed in her performance as Georgie she creates a character most young woman can relate to on a deep level.
Due to family issues, original cast member Natasha Wanganeen had to step down from the role of Nakisha, and Sharni McDermott has taken her place. As a last minute replacement McDermott does give it her all, though there were signs of nerves with some stumbling in monologues, which could also be due to it being opening night. Once more relaxed, McDermott should be a force on-stage and would be the final piece in a faultless production.
A powerhouse performance with outstanding acting, creative set-design and important social issues at the forefront, Sista Girl will mesmerise you until the very last heartfelt, tear-jerking moments. This is an outstanding production not to miss.
Reviewed by Georgina Smerd
Twitter: Georgie_xox
Venue: Space Theatre, King William Road, Adelaide CBD
Season: 30 May – 3 June
Duration: (70 mins, no interval)
Tickets: $20 – $39
Bookings: https://secure2.bass.net.au/statetheatrecompanysa/WEBPAGES/Events/Dates.aspx
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