Meteors → Cram Collective

 The Cram Collective’s latest work Meteors is a profoundly personal solo work performed by Melissa Pullinger and directed by Connor Reidy. Also part of the work are Ren Williams, Connor Pullinger and sound designer Will Spartarlis. “Mums. Grief. Stars. Lasagne” is how they have summarised Meteors. However, this piece takes audiences through a profoundly earnest recount of the reality of dealing with loss and the phases that follow. They have expertly stitched together the before, the during, and the after of grieving someone dear that is just beautifully honest, accessible and alluring. 

Solo onstage, Melissa is commanding, open, and confidently vulnerable. She instantly welcomes you into this story - some may be apprehensive about watching a work that explores these themes, yet Melissa exudes a sense of gentleness that is instantly settling. Melissa’s storytelling is excellent - perfectly paced and clear to follow, allowing the audience to visualise the realities of the scenes she recalls. Her exploration of her own identity and place in the world post-loss ties the work together, taking us on a journey through both the humorous moments and darkest hours. 

The episodic structure of the piece was a fabulous choice that enhanced the storytelling. You are taken across various stamps of time from Melissa’s life, signalled by the lighting changes and sound design which created a deeper sense of audience engagement. 

By the end, Melissa’s story has us return to where she started, with a heartwarming monologue about a meteor shower, and a new definition of herself and place in the world following the loss of her mother. You are left with a sense of gratitude for this work - firstly for forcing you to sit in a topic that is often unsettling, and then for reminding you to “look up,” and take comfort in the fact that the world will keep spinning.