A trucker picks up a pregnant teen on an empty stretch of road, a young rodeo rider stumbles onto a mysterious ranch, and a fugitive arrives in a cursed town seeking safety. These three stories form the backbone of Rumbleskin, that is set against a rugged Western backdrop. Unrest spreads across these lands through a strange disease known as the rumbleskin. This original story by Ames May Nunn fully embraces the Western environment while delving into ideas of transformation, identity, and survival in this striking queer folk tale spanning generations and the shifting landscapes of the heart.
The cast of five display great skill as an ensemble, but in their individual portrayals of numerous characters, there are moments that are slightly off. Ziggy Resnick holds our gaze as Celia, a hitchhiker with lucky thumbs, but it’s as the Preacher’s Daughter that she commands the stage. Luke Wiltshire is also compelling as both Ditch and the Preacher, and the pairing of these two actors is a stroke of genius as they spark off each other in their limited shared scenes. The depiction of Young Scratch by Sunanda Sachatrakul, and the Runaway by Cassidy Dunn are questionable - but given the strength of their work in other roles throughout the show, this seems more like a directorial choice than a reflection of their ability. Both are played with exaggerated intensity, lacking the nuance or subtlety that could make them really land. Lines are occasionally shouted seemingly for the sake of it, and some control in delivery would go a long way.
Nunn’s exploration of self-discovery, masculinity, and sexuality within a western setting is intriguing, and the hyper-reality of the characters we meet is bold and well grounded. The story-within-a-story-within-a-story structure is handled with care and highlights how deeply rooted these cultural rumblings are. That said, there are instances in these stories that seemed vague or uncertain in what they were trying to explore or say. Some mystery is welcome, but it felt like I was a few too many steps behind, left to fill in blanks that needed just a little further shaping.
Alonso Pineda’s direction of these tales is navigated with calm confidence. Through minimal yet effective changes to the set, he clearly defines each setting and ensures strong differentiation in the actors’ portrayals from one character to the next. However, a bit more consideration could be given to the moulding of certain characters, where heightened performances tip into caricature. A touch of restraint or refinement in these moments would help maintain the show’s emotional balance.
Sam Diamond’s set design features a sheer hanging curtain that reveals the vast expanse of the western world - harsh, open, and brutal. His patchwork quilt-like moving rock formations provide versatility across the different time periods while cleverly linking the stories through the constant presence of the land. The visual parallels between these and the skins referenced throughout present a mindful thematic layer. This is complemented by Giovanna Yate Gonzalez’s lighting design, which heightens the unforgiving nature of this environment with warm tones and then stuns with sudden, arresting shifts in light that add emotional jolts and dramatic impact. Jacob Diamond’s live composition showcases notable talent, but at times it felt intrusive, pulling me out of the immersive world unfolding on stage.
Rumbleskin is a daring and ambitious work that challenges its audience to navigate complex themes amid a stark and merciless landscape. While it doesn't always find perfect footing, its unique storytelling and evocative design choices create a vivid world worth exploring. For those willing to lean into its mysteries and tensions, Rumbleskin offers a rich and textured experience that rewards attention and thoughtful engagement.
Show Details
Venue: fortyfive downstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Season: until 27 July | Tues - Sat 7:30pm, Sun 5pm
Duration: 100 minutes Tickets: $49 Full | $39 Concession
Bookings: fortyfive downstairs
Image credit: Kimberley Summer
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