The Robot Dog review

Janelle, a woman of Cantonese heritage, and Harry, a First Nations man, are a seemingly happy couple living in Australia in 2042. When Janelle's mother dies, she and Harry move into her mother's home as they attempt to clear out the house. But this is 2042, so there are a few distinct additions to this home, such as an AI system that controls their daily movements (sometimes literally), and a robotic therapy dog.

As they begin packing and cleaning, the two are forced to confront their own cultural identity and the way it has shaped them, even if they feel little attachment to it. Written by Roshelle Yee Pui Fong and Matthew Ngamurarri Heffernan, The Robot Dog, offers a quirky exploration of how technology has become an inseparable part of our lives, particularly in an ever-changing world.

Kristie Nguy and Ari Maza Long bring authenticity to their roles, resulting in engaging performances. However, the play lacks dramatic tension. Perhaps if Director Amy Sole had encouraged more variation in the characters' energy and temperaments, the conversations and scenes might not have felt strained and repetitive as the show progressed through its 70-minute runtime.

The concept of this show is intriguing and it presents interesting insights into human relationships with robots, but in its aim to tackle multiple issues - including grief, cultural identity, and racism - The Robot Dog spreads itself too thin, leaving its core message underdeveloped.

Chun Yin Rainbow Chan's composition and sound design stand out as a highlight of the show, creating an innovative soundscape that manages to evoke emotional beats while intelligently establishing this futuristic environment. Similarly, Brockman's lighting design also enhances this period of time, allowing space for intimacy to be shared between the leads and with the audience.

While The Robot Dog has a few aspects to refine, it is a fascinating glimpse into how the past shapes the future. With its unique premise and strong design elements, the play touches on numerous ideas, and though its themes are somewhat underexplored and unclear, it remains an ambitious and visually striking production that sparks conversation.

SHOW DETAILS

Venue: Southbank Theatre, 140 Southbank Blvd, Southbank
Season: until 21 March | Mon - Sat 7pm
Duration:
70 minutes
Tickets: $30 - $60
Bookings: Melbourne Theatre Company

Images credit: Tiffany Garvie