Theatre / becky sage
Review: M0028, St Paul’s Church Crypt
Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata beckons the audience to the chilly, cavernous depths beneath St Paul’s Church, Southville. The sentient computer, Monica, warns newcomers in a saccharine-sweet voice of the foreboding apocalyptic wasteland that lies outside. This reviewer was immediately reminded of the opening moments of Duncan Jones’ 2009 psychological thriller Moon.
In SanaRt Theatre’s staging of Kadri Ozcan’s post-apocalypse satire M0028, Adam (Doug Francisco) has been living in a bunker for 12 years – but now the crucial time for departure has arrived. He is nervous about meeting the world – or what is left of it – but he still has time in his beloved shelter to answer a few questions. Ozcan’s bleak satire takes us into a not-too-distant future, where artificial intelligence provides us with instant communication – but still doesn’t help us to know what to say.
Francisco’s skill in creating the sense of a true relationship between Adam and Monica was absolute. His performance was fabulously revolting, unkempt hair swirling and dust in the lines of his face making it easy to believe that he had been lurking underground for over a decade. “I don’t want to leave!” he cried out to the whirring circuit boards propped up against the far wall. And, when the curtain fell, neither did the audience.
is needed now More than ever
Becky Sage as the delicate but feisty Emma delights with her palette of emotion from enchanting, to enticing, bunny-in-the-headlights-scared and, later, vengeful. Jasmine Darke plays a knowing rendition of her character Ethel. Interactions between all three characters made for the most dramatic moments.
Thuds above ground (intended or not) add to the already uneasy atmosphere and actors are accommodating of both audience and set. The religious setting compounds the impending ‘Day of Judgement’ narrative, and makes the characters damning accusations of each other all the more grounded.
Subtle design and directorial flourishes highlight the contemporary issues. The recycled set pieces created from tin cans and a fabulous three-wheeled motorcycle complement the overarching environmental themes, and it is impossible to miss Monica’s resemblance to certain handheld personal assistants. Chandeliers cobbled together from oil drums and tin cans create the illusion of an extended and damned existence.
Opening night suggests a strong run for this performance.
M0028 continues in the Crypt of St Paul’s Church, Southville until Saturday, June 20. For more info and to book tickets, visit www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com/shows/detail/m0028