Sheridan Harbridge

PRIMA FACIE @ THE STABLES

 

On  a prima facie level,  a legal term meaning on the face of it, and on a deep level, this is an outstanding production.

This is a one woman play written by the prolific Australian playwright Suzie Miller and has been directed by the Griffin Theatre Company’s Artistic Director Lee Lewis.

The play tells the story of barristerTessa, who spends her time defending her clients  until she has her own brush with the law when she is raped by a work colleague .

The journey she goes through is a harrowing one, most of all the time when she undergoes rigorous cross examination in the witness box.

Miller’s play shows us how hard it is for women who have been sexually violated to go through the court process and is a plea for better legal processes to be put in place so that women have a better and less taxing chance of getting justice.

Lee Lewis’ direction is superb. It is a very tight.  Everything is pared back making sure that everything is focused on the performer. Renee Mulder’s  set is compact and  very to the point. There is a black platform  centre stage and on the platform,, sitting in the centre,  is an office chair.

Sheridan Harbridge’s performance is very powerful. Harbridge was on stage for 100 minutes and never faltered. She deserved the standing ovation she received.  So did Lee Lewis, who was tearing up, and Suzie Miller who came on stage to join Harbridge.

The play ends on a very striking, emphatic note beautifully lit by lighting man Trent Suidgeest.

Recommended, PRIMA FACIE is playing the Stables Theatre, 10 Nimrod Street, Kings Cross un the 22nd June, 2019.