Ben Ashby (also writer and director) and Ethan Morse are best friends Ash and Morris, who are each dealing with their own personal news. Ash has just found out his girlfriend is pregnant and Morris has just been dumped by his boyfriend. The performances are very naturalistic where we can clearly capture and understand the impact of their circumstances. While these narratives play out, the ever growing global crises begin to circle them. What's worthy of note is that the creators have worked with a climate consultant to ensure evidence-based, factual information is provided. Floods and natural disasters and the wars in the Middle East make their presence felt and the struggle to enjoy life starts to become questionable. How many protests does a person need to go to to be considered a climate activist? Can you - in good conscience - go on a holiday to Bali when people are being murdered every day in Gaza?
But Running into the Sun isn't simply two guys talking. Akbar's captivating choreography takes place with four dancers - Jasmine Susic, Alec Katsourakis, Luke Romero and Akbar - accurately capturing with their bodies what Ashby's script can't convey. The way these bodies surround the actors, and take over the stage, is suffocating and comforting at the same time. They provide the manifestation of the characters' thoughts and anxieties as well as representations of the environment. There's so many perfectly balanced contrasts happening throughout.
Supporting these elements are three musicians - Toby Leman, Davin Ojala, Lennox Grootjans - playing guitar, saxophone, keys and drums. The trio produce a live soundscape that captures the cacophony of noises in Ash and Morris' heads as they try to make sense of the world, as well as delivering the music to a number of songs that are performed.
Videos are projected onto the wall behind the performers, some are abstract and others are directly linked with what's happening at that moment. They are all presented at the right time for maximum effect and without spoiling anything, the projection in the final moments are so powerful that you can't help but walk out feeling uplifted and hopeful.
Despite being on a small stage - to be able to fit nine performers and musical instruments - Ashby's direction never has the space appearing unintentionally crowded. He has looked at the room and incorporated it into the production with the way people position themselves on, and even off stage, which includes a clever use of the balcony in the venue.
There's an incredible fluidity with Running into the Sun as it moves our focus from one artistic style to another and from collective anxiety about the future to the personal and intimate changes facing Ash and Morris without diminishing the importance of either. Back and forth, back and forth we go. It's exhausting but exhilarating, much like trying to keep it all in perspective in real life. There has been so much, and I'm going to repeat this for emphasis, SO MUCH care and thought put into this production with what it wants to say. So thank you a2 company for making Melbourne your new home. Can't wait to see what you do next!
Running into the Sun was performed 16 - 20 October as part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival.
Image credit: Mehtab Singh Nehra
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