Future Shocks → Flinders Drama
I went into this show completely blind, but with an eager sense of excitement to see what these emerging performers had been called to create. I truly left feeling delighted and very impressed at the myriad of works presented, each a reflection of the performers’ individual artistry.
Directed by Anthony Nicola, Future Shocks is a presentation of each students’ culmination of their year-long investigation into “innovation of South Australian theatre.” Under Nicola’s guidance, it was obvious that each student had the opportunity to push the boundaries of theatre in each of their thematic performances.
Performed in the stunning Queen’s Theatre, the stage was set as an intimate semi-circle venue, backdropped by a large LED Screen. The screen allowed for some clever implementation of visuals and technological elements throughout each performance.
The cohort presented an assortment of short pieces, some solo, some with ensemble members, each exploring an array of themes - some seemingly more personal, others more of interest.
As a group, I truly can not fault any of the performers. Each actor came out oozing confidence and command, hooking the audience no matter the story line. Clearly professionals and ready for the industry, they were unafraid to engage with the audience and performed with extreme passion and pride for their work. This was truly inspiring to witness.
I will share a few works that personally stood out to me, however choosing out of the twelve is quite difficult!
This isn't Sparta, written and performed by Alexander Karytinos — This one begins with Karytinos on screen, as one of those stereotypical podcast bros harping on about channeling your inner Spartan, you know the ones. He then emerges dressed as one, jumping back in time to satirically critique this modern idolisation of these ancient Greeks. Karytinos balanced humour and cheeky crowdwork with a meaningful lesson and resolution by the conclusion.
Say Gay! Written and performed by Hannah Mcgrath – Hannah delivered a very impressive performance in their personal exploration of identity, focussing particularly on society’s labelling of gender from the moment a baby is born. It started as a humorous anecdote of Hannah attempting to ensure their nephew is gay, with a few key tactics being exposing him to queer artists and training his first word to be “slay.” Hannah then flips this tale into a personal reflection on wishing there was someone like them when they were a child, instilling such faith in who they were born to be. I thought this switch in tone made for a really impactful performance.
The House that could not Hold, written and performed by Liam Hennessy – I love a good metaphor, and Hennessy’s exploration of one’s inner work on themselves, through the metaphor of breaking and re-building a home was very clever. Hennessy’s storytelling was highly engaging, the audience transfixed as he literally moved and re-built shapes with milk crates. Definitely a performer to watch!
Deep Clean, Written by Isiah Macaspac, performed by Abigail McDougall, Rohan Backer, Shardae Santos and Liam Hennessy – When this one began, I don't think any of us in the audience could have predicted where it would take us. The gradual reveal of information to the audience kept us engaged, as McDougall and Backer, playing siblings, were cleaning out a home. Upon finding a disc from their mother, called ‘Deep Clean,’ the narrative unfolds in a heart-wrenching exploration of love, grief and loss. McDougall and Becker both execute these roles with a sense of softness and authenticity, and Santos and Hennessy on screen, give a raw, stirring performance in their direct address to the camera.
French Kiss, written and performed by Eliza Barnes, with the Honours Ensemble – Concluding the show, was Barnes’ piece which humorously recounted her New Years Eve in Paris, searching for that countdown kiss. In a playful nod to the Parisian setting, the ensemble elevated the piece with their perfectly-timed miming and tableaux’ that mirrored Barnes’ misadventures. This was a high energy roller-coaster of a story that perfectly concluded the evening!
If this is what happens when actors are given the space, mentoring and supports to push the boundaries of theatrical innovation, I am eager to see this group shake up theatre in Adelaide and beyond in the near future! Congratulations to all!
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