A dead boy next door during a Cooper Pedy heatwave and five young adults with various troubles and flaws are the ingredients of this one act play about growing up, disadvantage, addiction and poor choices.

We soon learn that either Teddy or Ki have killed the boy but Billy, Arcadia and Ash may be connected or implicated. They are young people out of their depth and they don’t want to call the police. They spend the night trying to come up with a plan to avoid jail but also plans on a broader scale about what to do with their lives.
As a group of impoverished young people in a share house they unsurprisingly have arguments about food, shopping and rosters and there is plenty of shouting, drinking, loud music and intense conversations.

With the spectre of a dead body next door the characters in this emotional drama are in a dark space and they lack the maturity to deal with their problems. Drinking and shouting is an easier option.

As the drama unfolds we learn about the issues and events that can lead to poverty and disadvantage and possible pathways to a more enriched and worthwhile life. Their lives and relationships are where the heart of the drama is and playwright Zoe Muller has given the audience many insights and ideas to consider.

The cast is made up of Aaresh Madon, Anika Bhatia, James Ong, Lachie Pringle and Maggie Thomas. I thought director Rosie Niven captured the overwrought chaos of a shared house of poor young people.

The crew includes Isabel Zakharova, Assistant Director; Capri Harris, Lighting Designer; James Burchett, Set Designer; Maddie Hodges and Sound Designer Isabel Zakharova..  

RATTLING THE KEYS is part of the NO: INTERMISSION FESTIVAL runs from March 17th-27th at Chippen Street Theatre.

Production photography by Becky Matthews Photography.