[Theatre ~ SA Premiere]
FAG/STAG
The Howling Owl
Tues 3rd Sept
Relationships are the main theme of this show. Colourful threads representing relationships are woven together and run through this excellent piece of theatre. Former ones, current ones, and the ever-present prospect of a long-term relationship. But the longing for a lasting one is belied by the reality of random daily hook-ups. These two best mates struggle to find meaning in their lives, while riding the roller-coaster of feelings, and navigating the constant changes these bring.
Connor Reidy’s direction does an amazing job of telling these compelling stories with minimal movement. This makes for a totally intimate theatrical experience. The slightest moves are magnified by superb performances from both Connor Pullinger and Henry Cooper. It’s as if we are all sitting around the kitchen table. Or side by side, playing video games.
We can relate to the little lies we tell to cover for our friends, and the big lies we keep hidden, even from ourselves. Through the power of great story-telling, the scenes shift smoothly between the two as they relate their attempts to make some sort of connection to, well, anyone who’ll listen.
Chris Isaacs’ and Jeffrey Jay Fowler’s script is solid, stark and refreshingly explicit. It perfectly captures how messy, scary, and risky relationships are, especially their fragile and yet paradoxically robust nature. It sparkles with humour, and encompasses the full gamut of emotions. And it incorporates just the right amount of introspective reflection to bare the innermost thoughts of the two characters. Their raw honesty can be sad and shocking at times, but there remains always the underlying bond of friendship, despite this being stretched to breaking point and beyond. This show challenges too, asking how we might nurture this form of love, to keep it alive and thriving.
The CRAM Collective, Chris Isaacs and Jeffrey Jay Fowler are to be congratulated for this stunning work, a massive and strong contribution to new Australian theatre.
5 Stars
David Cronin
FAG/STAG continues at The Howling Owl at various times until September 7th. Book at TryBooking.com. Click here to purchase your tickets.
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