SEEING UNSEEN is a fascinating exploration of three days and nights in the lives of a trio of misfits who live primarily in their own world, and yet are also partly watching the outside world and also partly being watched by it.
The unnamed woman, played by Kerri Glasscock, cannot face going into the world so she spends her days looking out the window and obsessively counting particular types of people and then panicking over their apparently growing numbers.
Her partner, an unnamed man, played by Michael Pigott, has his set routine as he leaves for work each morning to an unspecified job which then sees him returns in the evening.
Their unnamed protector, played by Michael Cullen, stays in the apartment observing them, taking notes and providing them with information and guidance on how to survive.
Created by Gareth Boylan, Michael Cullen, Kerri Glasscock and Michael Pigott this is the completed piece shown first as a work in progress last year.
The actors meld together wonderfully with some beautifully lyrical movement scenes between Glascock and Pigott.
The protector, awkward in his appearance, apparently has the answers for everything based on data, graphs and surveys. He seems to provide some sort of security in a chaotic world. Yet the half-forgotten past of the couple comes back as happy memories try to resurface.
Most effective use is made of the small space to provide areas both within the apartment and also scenes of memories from the past. Props are cleverly used, – a cut-out on an overhead projector creates a separate room. At another time a blue sheet transforms into a river.
This is a highly entertaining and inventive study of some big questions about life, relationships and contemporary society. There is great humour in the writing and clever interactions among the characters as the past and present, the world outside and the world of their thoughts, come together.
SEEING UNSEEN is playing until the 26th April at The Old 505 Theatre, Suite 505, 342 Elizabeth St Surry Hills. For further details contact Kerri Glascock at venue505@mac.co