Swallow at Metro

Swallow at Metro

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Posted 2017-05-26 by Kitty Goodallfollow

Thu 25 May 2017 - Sat 03 Jun 2017



Everyone has challenges in life and moments at which you have a choice: to slide into the oblivion of self-destruction, or to get up, dust yourself off and try again. [i] Swallow [/i], now playing the the Sue Benner Theatre at Metro Arts in Brisbane, explores that concept through the lives of three different women. As the play's producers explain, "Rebecca has broken up, is breaking down and has slashed her face. Sam's exploring a new identity in an unfamiliar world and Anna has not left her apartment for two years."

This contemporary theatre piece was written by Stef Smith and will require audiences have a modicum of theatrical literacy in order to fully appreciate its message. I attended opening night with someone who hasn't had a lot of experience with theatre and some of the narrative went over his head. Yet I, having been very involved in theatre since childhood, found that while it was a little challenging to follow at times, I could comprehend the narrative. My plus one still enjoyed the experience and wasn't disengaged despite not quite 'getting it'.



What really stands out about [i]Swallow[/i] is the acting. Julie Cotterell, Elise Greig and Helen O'Leary tackle this tricky script with its overlapping dialogue and constantly challenging cues with the skill and professionalism one comes to expect of actresses of their calibre. Their timing and pacing was exemplary. Elise Greig as 'Anna' was just brilliant. Her character's descent into madness was so convincingly played and didn't slip into the territory of hamming or self-indulgence. Julie Cotterell as 'Rebecca' was excellent at hitting her tricky cues and portraying the self-doubt and low self-esteem, though occasionally it did feel like she was still 'going through the motions' on a couple of scenes. Someone of her experience level is sure to iron out the little opening night kinks by the second show.

The most brilliant work of the night, in this reviewer's opinion, came from Helen O'Leary as 'Sam'. She was focused, had great comic timing and a beautifully nuanced emotional range. Her physicality and risk-taking was outstanding. Every syllable of every word she spoke was believable and every emotion completely motivated from within. You knew just what her character was thinking and feeling as she navigated the tough territory of gender transition.



Some aspects of the set design left a bit to be desired. It may very well be in the case of this show, that they were working with limited budget and resources. While the door worked well and the wood and mirror 'nest' was clever, there was something about it that felt slap dash. Perhaps it was intended to be that way and the set designer's intent has flown over my head.

Lighting and sound cues were well designed and directed. Director Kate Shearer has done a good job in getting such a tricky script to function so smoothly. She's also clearly brought out some great qualities in her performers. The show is very moving and almost brought me to tears. It's not all doom and gloom however, as there are plenty of moments of joy and humour.



Audiences who appreciate and understand metaphors, fast-paced dialogue and swiftly switching between multiple points of focus will get the most out of [i]Swallow[/i]. This isn't easy, spoon-fed narrative. You'll need to concentrate on what's being said and done in order to get the most out of it. At the risk of sounding sexist, this isn't necessarily a show just for women, but I think women will especially relate to the issues and emotions the characters are experiencing.

It's also a great chance to see three excellent actresses in a show that explores loneliness and the need for human connection. It doesn't shy away from tough issues or raw emotions. There's light and shade, comedy and tragedy. The pacing is impressive and the overarching message uplifting. The most magical moment occurs in the dénouement.



It was very well received on opening night. I actually heard the entire crowd's sharp intake of breath a beat after the lights went down on the emotional ending. Everyone erupted into enthusiastic applause for these talented women who brought us such a captivating show.

[i]Swallow[/i] is playing until the 3rd of June and you can find tickets and more details here . It is a part of Metro Arts' LCL Program, a platform for local artists to present contemporary theatre, so it's well worth supporting to keep the local scene alive.

WARNING: May contain swearing or offensive language, and adult themes. Not recommended for children.

#brisbane_city
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!date 25/05/2017 -- 03/06/2017
%wnbrisbane
163829 - 2023-06-14 22:43:50

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