Cliffhanger review

Writer Holly Childs and choreographer Angela Goh have spent the last five years examining the idea of a cliffhanger, both in its literal sense as well as its storytelling device that keeps people hooked in and wanting more. Cliffhanger is the culmination of that collaboration and while the commitment is there, the result is a mixed bag of impact and exploration.

We are provided with a copy of the script to the production, so we know ahead of time Goh's lines. In some ways, this plays with the concept of the cliffhanger, of knowing what's going to come but not knowing how it's going to be delivered or when exactly.

Goh tells us "I feel like there's a lot of clues here" and it does feel like there are, but they are too hidden to elevate this work. Coloured rock-climbing footholds lay scattered on the white tarkett but their use is minimal until Goh carries them over and attaches them on to a wall, and then they are just forgotten about. It's unclear what the purpose of this, as with much of the show, is. Childs' script is too vague and abstract and for a partnership that has been in the works for five years, it's surprising that text and performance don't seem to gel.

The dramaturgy lacks the "suspense" or attention required to call this a cliffhanger. At one point, Goh states "I'm resting here for a while" and then proceeds to lean against a beam for what feels like an eternity. Later she attempts to climb the beam as if she's undertaking a Sisyphean task and while it's a striking visual, it once again goes on for too long and loses any effect it might have.

Goh shows great restraint in her physicality, leading to some interesting poses and use of her body. The soundtrack by Gediminas Žygus has been developed with Goh's movements and Childs' words in mind resulting in engaging aesthetic and euphonic results.

Cliffhanger promised a lot but its execution could be stronger and more considered. There's barely a look at doom scrolling, weaponisation of information or algorithmic manipulation and tension (as suggested in the description), and when these are looked at, rather than hanging on to that cliff, letting go seems to be the more appealing option.

SHOW DETAILS

Venue: North Melbourne Town Hall, 521 Queensberry St, North Melbourne
Season: until 17 November | Sat 7:30pm, Sun 5:00pm
Duration: 50 minutes
Tickets: $35 Full | $20 Conc

Bookings: Arts House

Image credit: Gregory Lorenzutti