Writer Ash Flanders’ and director Petra Kalive’s thematically tricky, Adelaide-set play is a seriously ambitious dramatic/sometimes-comedic piece that overcomes moments of uneasiness by its sheer audacity.
Offering multiple thorny themes, this introduces us to Nick (Gyton Grantley, onstage for the whole demanding performance), a Flinders University lecturer in Film Studies who, 20ish years ago, made a controversial movie called Low. Despite winning awards at the time, the film is now seen as beyond politically incorrect: it had a then-underage and sexualised star; a damaging production history; and more.
When the Adelaide Film Festival programs a special screening of the film, Nick reluctantly agrees, and then watches as his life comes apart. His current student girlfriend Gen (Shardae Santos) is deeply critical of the film (and later him), while his long-suffering wife Mish (Anna Steen) is supportive. At first.
Although Nick is friendly with Low’s star Saskia (Kate Cheel), a now-beloved TV regular, she doesn’t help put out the fires, as Flanders’ script tackles a host of weighty ideas, often not quite in the manner expected. And Nick is never let off the hook, with Grantley delivering an impressive performance that allows us to understand and sympathise with his character (to a point), while also witnessing his sheer arrogance and privilege.
The production design is striking too, with sliding doors, windows, and screens allowing us to watch the players on video calls, with the help of stagehands, and voiceover narration allowing for quick interludes for setting up complicated props.
There is an awkward moment or two, and yet the sheer nerve of this State Theatre production should help see you past any such concerns.
You wanted political commentary? You got it.
Commentary is at Dunstan Playhouse. Check State Theatre Company for session times and bookings.
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