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Review: Closer // La Boite

 Written by Jake Goodall

Get ready for desire, betrayal, love and sex as Closer takes the stage at Brisbane's La Boite Theatre. 24 years since its original La Boite production, Closer returns to the La Boite stage under the skillful direction of Courtney Stewart who happens to also be the theatre's Artistic Director. This production is penned to rival your morals and set your heart ablaze throughout the entire production. 

The four lives of Alice, Anna, Dan and Larry intertwine over the course of four and a half years in this densely plotted look at modern love and betrayal. Dan, an obituary writer, meets Alice, a stripper, after an accident in the street. Eighteen months later, they are a couple, and Dan has written a novel inspired by Alice. While posing for his book jacket cover, Dan meets Anna, a photographer. He pursues her, but she rejects his advances despite their mutual attraction. Larry, a dermatologist, meets Dan in an internet chat room. Dan, obsessing over Anna, pretends to be her and has cybersex with Larry. They arrange to meet the next day at an aquarium. Larry arrives and so too, coincidentally, does the real Anna. This sets up a series of pass-the-lover scenes in which this quartet struggle to find intimacy but can’t seem to get closer.

The script itself delves into sexual politics and showcases the myths of love and romance, and cross examines the fall out between love and lust. Closer seems like an interesting production on the outside however the script falls short of modernism and is definitely a character of the past. Whilst the creative team utilised a contemporary and modern lens to look at the work, some further development could have been employed to ensure the hard hitting themes of the show was done with intent, rather than what felt like an after thought. It is important to put these types of productions on stage, however we must be careful about the themes and how these are portrayed in our modern world, especially with the #MeToo movement.

Directed by Courtney Stewart, it was hard to fault any production elements of this show. Stewart's artistic vision was clear from the very beginning and each creative added their own personality to the ultimate vision. Blocking and theatre making in an arena theatre (or theatre in the round) is an extremely difficult task, however it is clear Stewart has had extensive experience in creating in this space and it is no different in Closer. Stewart had worked with the performers to create multifaceted characters that each had their own redeeming quality despite their horrific actions.

Set & Costume design by M'ck McKeague was simple yet effective, utilisng squared stain glassesq blocks to emulate each setting was an ingenious choice, just showcasing how love can shatter in an instant. The use of pink and white thorugh the production was also a smart and intentional choice with pink being the colour of love and white being of innocence. McKeague has thought of every single aspect of this design to create a symbolic and useful design. Lighting by Glenn Hughs was simple and effective utilising simple plain washes throughout the show which helped to highlight the character's story, a particular lighting design that spoke to this reviewer was the lighting at the end to signify Alice's demise. Did she die, did she run away or did she dissappear, we will never know! Sound design by Wil Hughes was complementary, Hughes composed some evocative pieces of a RnB/eDM vibe that really emulated the productions design impeccably.

Sophia Emberson-Bain as Alice was hilariously perfect, their elegant use of comedy and drama really gave this character incredible layers that were revealed as the production went on. Anna McGahan as Anna was hard hitting and fabulous, McGahan is a talented performer creating a character many could relate to. Showing how hard it is to reveal yourself to your partner but proving the importance of having a hard exterior and tough skin. Colin Smith as Larry is another character that provided incredible comedy, Smith played this kink (yes kinky) character with grace and charm. Some further development could have been utilised in comedic timing as there were many lines that were inaudible due to the audience laughing, however this is sure to resolve as the production continues. Finally the highlight of the production was Kevin Spink as Dan. Spink took this character on a four year journey and showcased the characters development over those four years. It is clear Spink made time during the rehearsal period to develop a timeline of their character that the audience loved and hated.

Overall, Closer at La Boite is a good night out at the theatre for any adult lover of the theatre to view something different. Whilst there were some small critiques, this production once again proves why La Boite is one of the longest standing continual theatre companies in the world. Their eagerness to showcase bold and daring productions and putting them on in unbelievable ways. Don't miss your chance to see Closer at La Boite Theatre, must close 20th April!

Book your tickets to closer now!

Photos by Stephen Henry
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