Skip to main content

Review: When The Rain Stops Falling // Brisbane Arts Theatre


Written by Grace Wilson

Australian classics form the bones of contemporary theatre in this country, and revivals of these works always serve as a palate cleanser in an arts world that is continually evolving. Brisbane Arts Theatre’s revival of ‘When The Rain Stops Falling’ by Andrew Bovall is a welcome example of when Australian classics are given a hearty remounting with a strong sense of Australian spirit. The story itself is a multi-layered exploration of family trauma and how secrets, betrayal and love can span over decades and continents.

Direction by Hamish Chappell and Blake Young was a stand out with this work. Utilising the simplicity of the stage to help transform and transfer through continents and times was brilliant in establishing when and where the audience was. The dinner table was the centrepiece of this work, and Chappel and Young made sure this space was the space for heartfelt family discussions and raw, challenging arguments. The way double casting was also utilised by Chapell and Young added another level of intensity to this piece, supporting monologues that mirrored between old and young generations, and reflections of the past happened in real time. 

The cast itself varied in age and experience but together brought to life the main themes within this story. With quick paced changes between different decades and continents, each actor knew the stakes their character was facing and this was well delivered to the audience. Liam Wilson as both Gabriel Law and Andrew Price, gave a well rounded performance that was well paced and matured, showing a depth of understanding and characterisation throughout the entirety of the show. Claire Marchesi’s performance as Gabrielle York (Older) was another standout delivery, with poise and maturity that gave insight into the years of trauma that Gabrielle went through.

Set design by Scott Lymbery was minimal and simple, allowing for transitions between time and place much more quickly and allowing actors to make use of the stage as their own. Supporting the set design was lighting and sound by Zoe Power, which also assisted the quick movements across time and space. Of worthy mention is also costume design by Nick Scotney which very well showed a divide between generations and location, and helped establish connection between old and young versions of characters.

Overall, this production of ‘When The Rain Stops Falling’ was heartfelt and well rounded. It demonstrated an immense connection between ensemble and the way that Australian classics still ring true today and provide an eerie insight of what happens if we neglect the world and each other for much longer.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Review: Freshblood Festival - Vena Cava

Written By Thor Morrison Upcoming creatives need a place to experiment, to prosper, to explore, and even to sometimes miss the mark. It is essential that spaces that allow this to happen exist, especially in a world obsessed with perfectionism. The Freshblood Festival is an annual event run by QUT Student Theatre Company Vena Cava, focused on young writers and performers, and it does just that. It provides a space for the new and upcoming creatives of Brisbane and surrounds to experiment, have fun, and create really exciting performances. Held at BackDock Arts in Fortitude Valley, and running over two consecutive weekends, it is a massive endeavour Vena Cava have given themselves. 14 independent shows, two play readings, and 8 music acts ensure that Freshblood has something for everyone to enjoy, and shows the variety and scale of the Festival itself. Drama Dispatch was able to attend most of the second weekend, seeing a total of seven shows and a play reading, and was greatly impresse...
Post a Comment
Read more

Article: Black Box a New Musical!

You don’t know him, but he may have saved your life BLACK BOX is Queenslander Paul Hodge’s ground-breaking new musical based on the extraordinary true story of David Warren, the Australian inventor who created the black box flight recorder that is now on every plane around the globe, and it will have its world premiere at QPAC’s Cremorne Theatre this May. Driven by the death of his father in an unexplained plane crash when he was eight, BLACK BOX follows David as he fights for an invention that could record the final moments of a flight before it crashes – the black box. His obsession around this invention places his career, marriage and mind at risk. It’s a show about memory, and how we hold onto, and let go of, those we love  BLACK BOX writer and composer, Paul Hodge, said, “David’s invention was inspired by his love of music. I wanted to create a theatre form that was as inventive as David’s idea, which led to the use of recorded voices and music, in the same way the black box g...
Post a Comment
Read more

Review: Proudfoot + Friends // Proudfoot Producton & QPAC

Written by Jake Goodall Proudfoot + Friends emerges as a captivating and delightful children's show, offering today's children a valuable lessons in friendship, kindness, and cultural appreciation. At its helm is the creative Lucas Proudfoot, the mastermind behind this enchanting production, who has crafted a show that is sure to entertain and educate. Nestled within the diverse atmosphere of the Cremorne Theatre at QPAC, featuring Lucas Proudfoot as the central star, skillfully maneuvering his guitar, didgeridoo, and vocals, accompanied by two enthusiastic dancers who seamlessly propel the narrative forward. Assisting Lucas in his endeavor are a charming ensemble of animated characters, including the lovable Nen, Sis', Aunty May, and a host of others. The stage, adorned with simple yet evocative ocean-themed props like crab pots, fish nets, and bubbles, serves as the canvas for a fusion of live performance and vivid cartoon animation. The seamless integ...
1 comment
Read more