We've all been there. We've all experienced the
highs, the lows, the excitement, the fear and the joy. But eventually, we have
to let go of our childhood. No matter how hard we try, we must become adults.
Or do we? In Emily Taylor's Backwards, the idea of childhood and
adulthood coexisting is shown through a number of characters, both children and
adults, who are all played by the talented and engaging Taylor.
There are a variety of stories in Backwards,
and Taylor knows the exact moments in which to switch from one to the
other and how much of each one to actually show. There is an implicit
understanding that we, as the audience, do not need to see everything or be
told everything to be drawn into the story and connect with its characters. It
is this great skill that Taylor possesses that allows her to be the engaging
storyteller that she is.
Taylor's character work is exemplary and
her collaboration with Brunswick East Primary School students has most
likely helped in really capturing the individual mannerisms of her younger
characters. Each person in Backwards has a distinct voice,
appearance and presence and it is clear she loves each and every one of them
equally, even 38 year-old Godfrey who lives with his parents in their
retirement village.
On the surface, the stories could pass as
frivolous childhood moments but look a little deeper, and you will find that
the moments these children are experiencing are the ones which expose their
vulnerability and fears and are ultimately going to lead them into
adulthood. Ironically, it's the adults in Taylor’s stories who could do
with some life lessons themselves; the overbearing and overachieving mother,
the son who has not quite grown up and the retirees who need to start living
life.
There are a number of ideas and messages explored
in Backwards, however, the overarching one is a reminder that we need to
keep that little part of us - the fun part - of being a child. We are never too
old to be daring, adventurous and experience new things and that's a great
reminder to have at any age.
Season: Until 25 September | Tues-Sat 7.45pm, Sun 6.45pm
Tickets:
Bookings: Melbourne Fringe Festival
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