Water is a precious but potentially dangerous commodity. This stage production follows of a handful of characters that are all drowning to some degree.
The overlapping narratives presented are disappointingly somewhat hackneyed with regards to originality of subject matter. However, their clever combination and method of depicting circumstance shows the narratives are a vehicle only for introducing us to a modern stage experience. This fluid piece washes over us with very interesting resonances.
Throughout this piece we watch a passionate scientist struggling with family, depression and educational administration. A sportsman attempts balancing ambition and romance and a workaholic government employee will collow even the most dfficult brief to succeed.
Water and our changing environment links all three. Characters rejoice in water and suffer because of their obsessions with it. The underlying theme though is really one of need-usually to be loved and accepted.
Through the use of cutting edge production techniques, particularly audio-visual, lighting and sound, Filter Theatre succeeds in conveying the intensity of the protagonist’s agonies. This is done using short scene fragments and constant changes from one narrative situation to the next.
Music and stage management crew on stage give the drama a workshop directness and spontaneity. Most rewarding was the original music, sound effects and live foley performances by Tim Phillips.
The talented cast work precisely together to weave the stories. Timing is of great importance in this work, and the actor’s work was slick. They support each other well in a cornucopia of characters and accents, which surface for extremely brief but effective moments.
The concepts for use of the stage, video technology and performance versatility in WATER make it a worthwhile event. Its structure will have you working hard at times as an audience member, but the enhancement of the storytelling here makes for a rewarding entertainment.
A Filter and Lyric Hammersmith production, WATER created by Filter and David Farr, opened at the Sydney Theatre on the 12th September and runs until the 23rd September, 2012.
© Paul Nolan
15th September, 2012
Tags: Sydney Theatre Reviews- WATER, Sydney Theatre, Filter Theatre Company, Lyric Hammersmith Productions, David Farr, Sydney Arts Guide, Paul Nolan.