The Flight Path Theatre is only a small, intimate, no frills theatre in the Addison Road Community Centre in Marrickville and, true to its name, it suffers from the constant noise of aeroplanes flying directly above.  For all its modest presentation this theatre puts on some  quality theatre.

Con Nats’ ‘The Pond’ is a case in point. This is a well written, touching theatre. ‘The Pond’ tells the story of a man and woman, they are anonymous,  coming together. Things get serious quickly, they buy a house together after she falls in love. with a house at first sight. 

She wants to have a family and he is keen too. Their lovemaking is fierce and passionate (Nats writes these scenes in rich poetry). Their lovemaking has the intended result. She falls pregnant. Not long in to the pregnancy she has a miscarriage. The couple’s distress is palpable.

What the couple soon learn is that their striving to have a family becomes is a very rough and dark journey. This journey is the heart and core of the play.

There is a parallel plot that pivots around the pond that is in the backyard of the couple’s new house. He is obsessed with the care of the pond and the well being of its animal life. The pond works on both literal and metaphorical levels.

Deborah Mulhall’s direction is incisive. The performances by Rosemary Ghazi and Oliver Burton are warm and heartfelt.

Production values are good. The set is free apart from a ‘pond’ covered with cloth. Dave Clanadra’s poignant score underscores the action well as does Tom Massey’s atmospheric lighting.

Recommended, Con Nats ‘The Pond’ is playing the Flight Path Theatre, 142 Addison Road, Marrickville until Saturday 10th October, 2020.

https://www.flightpaththeatre.org/