Written by Tim Winton
Directed by Kate Cherry
Black Swan State Theatre Company
Canberra Theatre Centre Playhouse
26 - 29 September 2013
Review by Len Power
‘You
can’t judge a person by their death’. Tim
Winton’s play, Shrine’, takes us on a harrowing journey where we do just
that. Examining the impact on the
parents of the car crash death of their teenage son and the reactions,
loyalties and lies of others involved in the tragedy, the play packs an emotional
wallop.
As
in his novels, Tim Winton’s insight into the Australian character is
remarkable. These characters are so recognisably
real that it’s impossible not to be drawn deeply into the drama.
There
are excellent performances from all six cast members. John Howard commands the stage as the
embittered, cynical and deeply wounded father.
Sarah McNeill, as his wife, is outstanding as the mother who is
suffering in silence and unable to come to terms with the loss of her son. Her breakdown at the funeral is alarming and
confronting. Paul Ashcroft, appearing in
flashbacks, gives a very effective portrayal of a teenager full of life and
dreams before that life is tragically cut short and Luke McMahon and Will
McNeill give strong performances as the two mates involved in the car accident
who may or may not be telling the truth.
Whitney Richards as the young girl who knows a lot about the son’s last
hours, gives a moving performance of great depth and sincerity.
The
set and lighting design by Trent Suidgeest is imaginative and wonderful to look
at as well as working superbly for the drama.
Sound designer, Ben Collins, has produced an eerie, threatening
soundscape that works brilliantly with the set and lighting. The costumes by Fiona Bruce are perfect
choices for each of the characters.
Director,
Kate Cherry, has done a superb job. For
a story that could be just too dark to enjoy, she has created a world of
theatre that excites our imagination, involves us with very real characters and
leaves us with a feeling that we’ve seen something very special.
Produced
by Western Australia’s Black Swan State Theatre Company, we are privileged to
be able to see this outstanding production here as part of the Canberra
Centenary celebrations. When you see a
play as well written, directed, designed and performed as this one, you know
that this is why you go to the theatre.
