Cut by Duncan Graham At Holden Street Theatres’ The Manse – Adelaide Fringe Review

Holden Street Theatres’ The Manse, Thu Feb 19 Hannah Norris is extremely convincing as the disturbed, disturbing “Woman” at the centre of Duncan Graham’s dark work, Cut. The woman is, in equal parts, pleasant and light, vulnerable and terrified, and instinctively evil. She symbolically spins, cuts and measures her way through the fabric of her existence. Norris does an excellent job portraying these shifting aspects of personality, as her character seemingly disappears further into a terrifying maelstrom. Perhaps of her own making? The sound and light do much to create an unnerving, harrowing atmosphere. Russell Goldsmith and Sam Hopkins, respectively, have done an impressive job. On occasion, it’s like being in the darkest recesses of a David Lynch film. Or inside a bad dream. Elizabeth Gadsby’s sparing design only adds to this wonderfully unsettling environment. The audience never quite knows which turn the tale will take, and it isn’t until the climax that some sort of meaning and resolution appears to have crystallised. Part story, part performance-piece, part nightmare, Cut by Graham Duncan is a show worth seeing. Only 18 audience members are admitted per performance, so don’t dilly-dally. Are you afraid of the dark? David Robinson Cut by Duncan Graham continues at Holden Street Theatres’ The Manse until Sat Mar 14. Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix. Click HERE to purchase your tickets.