There is
a familiar smell in the air as I take my seat at Arts House theatre. Even
though I can’t quite put my finger on it, it feels like rain on a cold, wet night
with mist and fog in the air, which subsequently fits in nicely with the show I
am about to see, about death. In Endings,
Tamara Saulwick explores our attempts to stay connected with loved ones after
they have passed away.
Saulwick
explores this concept in a very intimate setting with pre-recorded conversations
with people who have lost loved ones as well as opening up about the death of
her own father. These recordings and conversations describe not only the
moments leading up to the death but the thoughts and actions immediately
following. One person mentions photographing the deceased with family members
and another recalls the shock of hospital staff at a request to bathe the
deceased.
For
those who have been affected by death, there are many emotions to be felt, and
while most of the show deals with the nostalgia and sadness of death (the more ‘gentle’
of emotions), Saulwick also captures the fear and terror perfectly in a scene
that even though lasts just seconds, lingers on for quite some time after.
There
are numerous poignant moments in Endings,
including the musical interludes by Paddy Mann. His songs are heartfelt yet
simple with a soothing voice that brought up my own experiences of death and
memories that seemed long forgotten. Approaching the seven year anniversary of
my mother’s passing, I couldn’t help but get a little emotional and once the
lights came up at the end of the show, it was clear I was not the only one.
Speaking of
lights, the lighting set and design by Ben
Cobham is perfectly executed in Endings,
capturing the mood and the themes of the show flawlessly. Spotlights appear on
the performers, swinging lights cast shadows over the set pieces and the way
the lights themselves move feels like they are a spirit themselves, floating on
stage.
Everyone
will die. It is inevitable, yet it is also one of the most difficult things
people can face. It comes as a surprise when death happens, as if we were
supposed to be spared from this experience. Endings
reminds us how to keep the memory and the stories we’ve shared with these people
alive. It is the perfect tribute for anyone who has ever lost somebody they
loved.
Venue: Arts House, North Melbourne Town Hall, 521 Queensberry St, North Melbourne
Season: Until 17 May | Thurs-Sat 7:30pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 5pm
Tickets: $30 Full | $20 Conc
No comments:
Post a Comment