The Culture – Adelaide Fringe 2023 Review

[Theatre & Physical Theatre - SA Premiere, New South Wales] The Arch at Holden Street Theatres, Tues 7 March, 2023.   The fast-paced dramatic action flows seamlessly in this well-written work. Good writing means the script sounds spontaneous and real, and the live podcasts peppering this show also make it immediate. In real time this performance is being shared by a far wider audience online, and they are responding with comments too. This gives the players a public forum for the issues in their private lives. They demonstrate how the multiplying factor of social media can be employed for the greater good, to expose what is normally kept away from view. The themes of female empowerment and domestic violence are developed strongly in a gripping story, rather than by slogans. Some references are made by quoting exemplary figures like Julia Gillard and Hannah Gadsby. It is pointed out in context, for example, how it is the women who are the ones named and shamed whenever these recurring incidents are reported, and the men involved are not mentioned. Pulling no punches, we are drawn into the insidious spiral of one side of a relationship gradually taking control over the other person. This is all the more shocking when we have already met them, and we consider them well-educated about and aware of the traps to watch out for. The friction between the two flat-mates is palpable, as well as their longing for connection and understanding. The difficulties of modern dating, whether online or face to face are shown for both gay and straight. Fat-shaming and body-image also get thrown into the mix. The play expertly dissects the damage that we inflict on each other due to our insecurities and our human needs. The baggage that we drag along we can use as our defenses. A light touch is maintained throughout while dealing with such serious subjects, by the banter between the two friends who want to keep their bond alive, even when it is strained to breaking point. Ultimately an honest friendship triumphs as the basis for true love, no matter what relationship those friends find themselves in. Presented by: Powersuit Productions   4 stars   David Cronin   The Culture continues at The Arch at Holden Street Theatres various times until Thu 16 Mar.   Book at FringeTIX and adelaidefringe.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets.   #TheClothesline #ADLFringe