Glassbreaker Productions presents
Two on the Night Train at Gasworks Arts Park from 13-22 June 2019. Written and directed by Martin Quinn, it's a dark thriller that will keep you in suspense. Two characters meet each other on a night train (Frazer Lee and Katherine Pearson), not knowing their destination, or when or where the train will stop. They begin a casual conversation, which over the course of the journey, develops into a philosophical dialogue about existence.
Two on the Night Train written by Martin Quinn
The characters are nameless, but somehow familiar, and they are suspended into a kind of 'limbo' or 'purgatory' where they explore their perceptions of this experience – the logical and more pragmatic (Frazer Lee) versus the ideal, romantic and imaginative (Katherine Pearson). As the train travels through the dark, both characters appear and disappear, as they search for answers up and down the train carriages. They are effectively 'stuck' and at one stage find a book, perhaps left by a previous traveller and look for clues to assist them to gain some understanding about where they might be going.
Both characters eventually surrender to the 'journey' when they realise a clear destination, nor an Estimated Time of Arrival may not be in their future.
Frazer Lee and Katherine Pearson in Two on the Night Train
Glassbreaker have presented a highly stylised production with a contemporary design which leaves room for audience imagination and contemplation. The play is Beckett-like, poetic in its lyricism and its execution is seamless. The play also echoes
The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis and similar ideas and writing styles of the period. Timing is everything in this play with long monologues interspersed with dialogue and multiple physical entries and exists by both characters. The plot is non-traditional – without a clear climax or resolution, and can feel frustrating – however, it may also be the intention for the audience to feel what it is like to be 'stuck' - in a vortex, a time warp, or between two worlds or existences in which there seems to be no exit or resolution.
Glassbreaker presents 'Two on the Night Train'
The cast delivers an excellent performance which is complemented by creative lighting (Adelaide Harney), set (Alaina Bodley), costume (Constance Lewis) and sound design (Edwin Cheah) and efficient stage management (Stephanie Ghajar).
Two on the Night Train is part of the Premiere at Gasworks, a program which assists independent Melbourne-based artists to stage original productions.
