What a topic to write a play about! Euthanasia…What a way to start a play! A middle-aged couple, Pam (Linda Cropper) and Don (Russell Kiefel), are trying to calculate how long ago it was that she took the combination of tablets with which she is going to be taken out of this world?! For the next 85 minutes award winning Tasmanian playwright Tom Holloway takes us through some of the darkest emotional landscapes that we humans can experience.
‘And No More Shall We Part’ is a tough night at the theatre! At first, I just wanted to turn away! It felt way too much, too painful, too confronting…And in the intimate Stables theatre space there’s just nowhere to hide.
I hung in. I had to honor the opening night invitation. I found myself drawn in as the playwright filled in the picture of this middle-aged couple who found their lives together cruelly cut short by one partner’s illness.
Director Sam Strong’s production served Holloway’s play well. They have shared a partnership that first commenced four years ago and continues to grow.
They are blessed by strong performances by two of Australia’s most experienced actors.
Linda Cropper gave a fine portrayal of a strong middle-aged woman who bravely makes the final choice of her life.
Russell Kiefel was strong as her husband whose emotions kept see-sawing from the dreaded moment that his wife announced her intention to give up her fight.
Production values were strong. Victoria Lamb’s set featured a classic suburban domestic setting. Verity Hampson’s lighting worked well, and was especially memorable in the use of candle-light in the last Supper scene. Kelly Ryall’s haunting music worked well.
I’m glad I toughed it out! ‘And No More Shall We Part’ proved to be rewarding theatre. It was about a lot of things…but most of all it was about love. When one has love, one can bear anything!
Sam Strong’s production of Tom Holloway’s play ‘And No More Shall We Part’ opened at the SBW Stables Theatre, 10 Nimrod Street, Kings Cross on Wednesday 3rd August, 2011 and plays until Saturday 3rd September, 2011.
David Kary
Saturday 6th August, 2011