Meet Me At Dawn: So Close But Yet So Far ~ Adelaide Fringe 2022 Review

[THEATRE and Physical Theatre/Drama ~ AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE ~ SA] The Studio at Holden Street Theatres, Wed 16 Feb. Holden Street Theatres have a long history of presenting riveting short dramas that are a tour de force for one or two players and Meet Me At Dawn is no exception. Written by Zinnie Harris and directed by Nescha Jelk, Meet Me At Dawn opens dramatically with a drenched woman appearing on a beach, having just made her way to safety following a serious boating accident. She is bewildered and lost, trying to take stock of where she is, and how she will get home. Soon a second woman appears, also drenched. They desperately try to work out where they are and how they will escape their predicament. They clearly know and love each other and, in fact, live together as a couple. Their conversation quickly turns to domestic issues, such as who will look after the dog they are minding. This is not a play that relies on dramatic action for what follows. Rather, it concentrates on the women coming to terms with what has happened to them as the script takes us on a journey through their emotions. To add layers of mystery, it transpires that what is happening on stage is nothing like what happened in real life. Once we realise this, we have to work out whether we are watching a dream sequence, or perhaps a failure to grasp reality. Wendy Bos as Robyn and Sarah Bos as Helen are compelling as the stranded couple. The differences between the characters are subtly nuanced. Where one is anxious but more practical, the other is more cavalier. They are affectionate but bicker over trivial things. They are very real human beings. Meet Me At Dawn is a deeply engaging study of human nature, tackling the big issues of love, mortality, grief and how we need each other. It is a show well worth seeing. But you’ll need to be quick. It’s only on for a short season. 4 stars Adrian Miller Meet Me At Dawn continues at The Studio at Holden Street Theatres, at various times, until Sun 27 Feb. Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets. #ClotheslineMag #ADLfringe #HST