Take a trip down memory lane to the days of sharing a house and engaging in heartfelt conversations in the comfort of a bedroom. Sophia Davidson Gluyas’ latest creation, The Bed Party, elevates this sentiment to new heights at Pip Theatre in Brisbane.
In this captivating production, five feminist comrades embark on an adventurous journey during one eventful weekend, shedding light on the profound political underpinnings of personal interactions. As the evening unfolds, Jasmine and Finn, after a long and eventful Saturday night, discover their bed is destined for unexpected activity. Their housemate, Tara, Jasmine’s best friend and former flame, seeks solace after a stressful evening. Ex-housemate Bri, still possessing a spare key, seeks shelter after leaving her partner, while the current housemate, George, joins them, bubbling with enthusiasm following a promising first date.
This all-female ensemble masterfully brings to life a touching lesbian dramedy, offering an evening of laughter, love, and unity. Gluyas’ writing is nothing short of perfection and flawlessness, skillfully weaving intricate narratives and storylines that reveal the depth of these characters and the lives they lead. Gluyas has crafted a remarkable work of realism that unquestionably deserves a five-star rating.
Gluyas also undertook the formidable task of directing her own creation, a challenge they executed with grace and finesse. The blocking of scenes flowed seamlessly, creating a natural rapport with the actors and showcasing Gluyas as a talented and experienced director.
The set, expertly designed by Genevieve Morrow Ganner, was hyper-realistic and nothing short of phenomenal. It flawlessly recreated a bohemian-style bedroom, adorned with an abundance of books, a soothing salt lamp, and many other charming details. The simple and effective sound design by Nikki Savvides cleverly utilized soundtracks to smoothly transition between scenes and establish an evocative atmosphere for the outdoor setting. The choice of soundtracks was spot-on and perfectly complemented the unfolding drama.
Lighting, orchestrated by Cale Dennis, was also simplistic yet effective, adeptly capturing the essence of early morning with subtle illumination and brighter light for daytime scenes. While the length of scene changes and blackouts could use some fine-tuning for a smoother pace, this did not detract from the overall quality of the production.
A special acknowledgment is in order for Zoe Houghton, the Intimacy Advisor, who has clearly worked closely with the actors to craft authentic and meaningful relationships, which were beautifully portrayed on stage.
The true essence of this production lies in the remarkable ensemble cast, featuring Shanay De Marco as Tara, Whitney Duff as Jasmine, Sarah Huston as Finn, Libby Jeisman as Bri, Ophelia Novak as George, and Emily Rowbottom as Kelly. This group of talented individuals masterfully embodied their characters, each providing a distinct and thoughtful portrayal. Singling out a standout performer from this exceptional ensemble proves to be an impossible task, as they all shine brilliantly.
The Bed Party is an absolute must-see, offering a profound commentary on queer relationships, biphobia, and the complexities of harassment. It’s a beautifully crafted narrative that resonates deeply with the present day, and all that remains to be said is, BRAVO!
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