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: Picnic at Hanging Rock - Javeenbah Theatre Company

Written by Mark Rickell “The infamous picnic has become a faux Australian history that has haunted the Australian psyche for almost fifty years.” - Hunter Wall, Director This is the backdrop on which the story takes place, not that of the period in history, but in the present. In the effect of this story and what it means to Australians. Children study the text in schools, the name, and the mystery, is synonymous with Australian literature.  “Whether Picnic at Hanging Rock is fact or fiction, my readers must decide for themselves. As the fateful picnic took place in the year nineteen hundred, and all the characters who appear in this book are long since dead, it hardly seems important.” - Joan Lindsay, Author This adaptation of the text is extremely true to the original material, and serves as an excellent example of the power of theatre as a way of bringing stories to life. This adaptation, expertly staged at Javeenbah Theatre, is a triumph of storytelling. It is clear that dire...
Post a Comment
Read more

Review: Equus - X Collective

    Written by Gabriel Besa ‘Equus’ from The X Collective was a superb showcasing of drama and all things theatre. From the exquisitely put together lighting to the character portrayal of each of the actors, The X Collective knows how to put on a show.    ‘Equus’ is a play written by Peter Shaffer in 1973, where he was inspired after he heard a seventeen-year-old boy blind six horses in a small town in northern England. It then went on to win the Tony Award for Best Play. The play switches from past and present as it acts out previous events that lead up to Alan Strang’s current state. Through the psychiatric expertise of Martin Dysart, we see the importance each character had played against Alan Strang’s life.   The X Collective had meticulously placed this production in the Holy Trinity Hall as it provides a state of eeriness and mystery for the audience. Since the venue strays from the average theatre, portable lighting and set desi...
Post a Comment
Read more

Review: DOGHOLE - Underground Theatre & theatrePUNKco

Written by Jake Goodall  Ever been curious about the entanglement of fiction and reality? Dive into Underground Theatre & theatrePUNKco's latest venture, DOGHOLE, where the lines blur with captivating effect! Written by Grace Wilson, DOGHOLE follows DOG or Camille Evans (don't call them that to their face, though.) They think all writers are bad, they think Tim Winton isn’t that great of an author, they think they have the next big hit under their fingers. It's called DOGHOLE – and it's their ticket out of the middle-of-nowhere town they grew up in. But DOG knows it’s a bit hard to write a book with no characters and no plot. DOG knows that normal writers don’t get haunted by the ghosts of dead authors who insist they’re doing this writing thing wrong. DOG knows that normal writers don’t find the world of fiction and reality crossing over until they’re not sure what’s a line in a book or an event in real life. DOG knows this, they really do. But that’s just another ...
Post a Comment
Read more