Arts

Theatre Review: The Children

Inspirational, challenging and just downright brilliant

Inspirational, challenging and just downright brilliant
5

Presented by: State Theatre Company of South Australia
Reviewed: 7 February, 2024

It takes three exceptional actors and a very good director to get the best out of a challenging and intricate piece of writing. This is an extraordinary piece of work from the pen of Lucy Kirkwood, brought to life with skill, charm and venom by Tina Bursill, Genevieve Mooy and Terence Crawford. It extends and takes up the reins where the supposition of Michael Frayn’s Copenhagen becomes the reality of Kirkwood’s, after Fukushima’s exploration of the history shared by the three major characters in the aftermath of a nuclear plant meltdown created by an unexpected earthquake in a UK coastal town with a nuclear energy plant.

That’s as much of the story as you’re going to get from me. This first play in the State Theatre Company of South Australia’s 2024 season is outstanding.  The beauty of Kirkwood’s brilliant script lies in its gradual revelation of the history and future of the three protagonists in this cleverly crafted piece of theatre. From the moment the lights come up on the typically English rural country cottage we sense that something is not quite in balance. Victoria Lamb’s set is a clever interpretation of a not-quite-level playing field in the form of a not-quite-level set; it makes you work to find the balance of your visual and mental resources. Genevieve Mooy’s Hazel, an outwardly ditsy rural housewife, dealing with Tina Bursill’s sharp, and enigmatic Rose, who has appeared on her doorstep after 28years, is unsettling yet familiar. There is a sense of both characters knowing more than they should and revealing less than they want to. It is two extraordinary actresses bring to life two complex, intelligent and devious characters with breathtaking virtuosity. It is always exciting to not know where the narrative will lead you, and this does not disappoint.

Bursill is one of Australia’s enduring actors who has grown in depth and stature over the years. Her presence is remarkable, her acting flawless and her journey through this piece exciting and unpredictable. Mooy gives Bursill a run for her money in this piece of work. She is a frumpy housewife guarding her children from the consequences of her life’s work (as a nuclear physicist), a suspicious wife hiding under the airhead country matron she has invented to protect herself. A genuinely clever characterisation.

Terence Crawford has too long been hiding his acting light under a bushel but this piece reveals how gifted, clever and thoughtful an actor he is. His character has a monumental journey through the piece and not for one moment do we lose sight of his need, fear and his unfulfilled and reckless need to please everyone.

This is another great addition to the works that have been produced by the State Theatre Company of South Australia showcasing our state theatre company at its best. Corey McMahon has again shown his gift for realising a script at its highest level with a great cast and a crew of local artisans on his production team. With the assistance of Gabrielle Horhardt as his Production Manager he has combined the talents of Victoria Lamb as Designer, constructing an authentic playground for Nic Mollison to work his lighting magic on, Andrew Howard to add some musical magic, Belinda Gellert to enliven with some choreographic magic assisted by Ruth Fallon as intimacy/fight coordinator. Tim Overton as Dramaturg and Jennifer Innes as Accent Coach also added their special touch to this work and Belinda Gehlert’s compositions were incorporated flawlessly into Andrew Howard’s sound design. A really solid production team I’m sure were aided and abetted by many other gifted members of the production team that brought this play to life. Don’t miss this, please. It is thought-provoking, contemporary playwriting at its best brought to life by a gifted group of theatre practitioners.

Japan has a great tradition of naming its theatre veterans as Living National Treasures, Tina Bursill, Genevieve Mooy and Terence Crawford are all heading in the right direction to be just that, these three actors are the reason Australian actors are held in such high regard internationally.

Reviewed by Adrian Barnes

Photo credit: Victoria Lamb

Venue: Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre
Season: 2 – 17 February, 2024
Duration: Approximately 100minutes, no interval
Tickets: 
Evening: Adult $95.00 Conc $85.00 Under 30, Full time student $49.00
Matinee adult $85.00 Conc $75.00 Under 30, Full time student $39.00
Bookings: https://statetheatrecompany.com.au/shows/the-children/

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