Coldhands: Shining New Light On A Contemporary Theme ~ Theatre Review

[THEATRE ~ WORLD PREMIERE ~ SA] Rumpus Theatre, Tue 29 Nov, 2022. Rumpus Theatre have been very busy of late – this is their third production in the last 6 months. Their homebase in Bowden is a curious venue that requires a bit of a walk to the performance space. The space itself is long and makes for some interesting dynamics between cast and audience and presents some challenges re voice projection. Coldhands is promoted as a mythical story in the age of climate change. It features a cast of three who find themselves in a post-apocalyptic landscape where fear and danger are ever-present. An eerie aural soundscape never lets the trio nor audience relax. Their constant furtive glances towards the offstage darkness has one imagining that something dreadful could happen at any time. There are some striking visual moments: characters are illuminated as they writhe on an altar of sacrifice; the branches of a dead tree suddenly come back to life in a burst of colour. But the feel is mostly bleak – intentionally so. As is often the case with myth or metaphor their message is not always clear on first telling, but Coldhands would seem to be a warning that societies fed by greed will come to no good, and that in fact it may already be too late for us. A brave and innovative piece of theatre casting new light on a contemporary theme. 3 stars Michael Coghlan Coldhands continues at Rumpus Theatre, at various times, until Sun 4 Dec. Bookings via Eventbrite. Click HERE to purchase your tickets