Written by Nick Payne
Directed by Kelly Somes
Free-Rain Theatre. ACT
Hub. April 16-25.
Constellations is a deft and fascinating play. There are only two
characters, a bee keeper and a scientist. Roland (James O’Connell) keeps bees
and makes honey. Marianne (Lucy Goleby) studies the universe.
The deftness comes in with the way in which time is treated.
Scenes are short, runs of dialogue often repeated, the two characters may react
in different ways in the same situation. The space is in the round. Three red
chairs are moved about in the space as needed.
The relationship between the two varies. Sometimes it looks like
they will get together, sometimes not. But the relationship keeps on developing
though good times and tough outcomes. Tensions flow and ebb.
Goleby and O’Connell handle this difficult shifting material with ease and
panache. It is a delight to watch them perform this challenging two hander with
its multiple variant scenes and emotional through lines.
And The Hub once again proves that it can be a magical place as
these two performers work the in-the-round space to create a story about relationships -
how they go wrong, how they can go right. They and director Kelly Somes have
done a great and sure footed job.
A very satisfying and moving evening, not to be missed.
Alanna Maclean