‘The Shape of Things’ at the Sydney Theatre Company was in any terms exhilarating theatre.

Neil LaBute’s play was a brilliant piece of writing, strong in all areas. This was a play about careless love and its destructive consequences. Up and coming artist Evelyn was the perpetrator of the unhealthy love.

Jeremy Sims’s production served LaBute’s well. The performances were striking. Leanna Walsmann’s portrayal of the merciless, persecutory Evelyn was marked with a strong stage presence. For the role Walsmann came up with a haughty speaking voice that vividly expressed her character.
As Evelyn’s unfortunate victim Adam, Brendan Cowell gave a performance that cut close to the bone. His final scenes were aching! Cowell’s range was impressive, playing a character who was klutzy, a bit of a loser, out of touch with the world and yet with a big heart.

In supporting roles were played by Alyssa McLelland and Nick Flint as Adam’s friends, Jenny and Phillip. McLelland gave a touching performance, especially in a bittersweet scene with Cowell. Nick Flint was fine in the role of the cynical, straight talking Phillip.

Director Sims does much more than just let the words tell the story. Together with set designer Fiona Crombie a wonderful minimalist set design was created.As the characters changed their environments, they moved between miniature sets.

Aye Larkin’s (ex Skunk Hour) music score, with its Nick Cave feel, reinforced the play’s dark themes.

Damien Cooper’s scattered lighting design that featured flashing lights coming from underneath the sets, and some strobe lighting that flashed across the stage, complemented the play’s startling quality.

9 January, 2005