Smokescreen review

 Set against the smoky backdrop of 1977 corporate America, Smokescreen is an insightfully portrayed drama that explores the insidious relationship between government and controversial industries. The story centres on Glenn, an oil executive who begins to question his morals when the environmental cost of his work becomes impossible to ignore. He sets up a discreet meeting with Bud, a charismatic young 'ad-man' from the tobacco industry, to help him sell the no longer sellable, and to set his conscience at ease over what he is doing.

The pairing of actors Christopher Samuel Carroll and Damon Baudin is nothing short of genius. The two play incredibly well off each other, and it is fascinating to observe their subtle power plays and the creeping change in status unfold. For most of the show, Baudin remains seated in his chair yet his growing arrogance, smugness, and hint of corruptibility slowly seep through in the smallest of movements and expressions. It's a performance I will think about for a long time to come.

Carroll is equally compelling as he captures Glenn’s immediate descent after fully comprehending the reality around him. His attempts to stay calm and clear-headed gradually unravel the more he learns from Bud. Carroll effortlessly conveys the anxiety and emotion beginning to simmer beneath the surface, as even his body starts to betray him with an intense cough serving as a reminder of the cigarettes he’s been chain-smoking and the very dangers they’ve been discussing.

Carroll also takes on the roles of writer and director, which can sometimes risk a lack of perspective. However, in this instance, the vision is clear and focused. His direction is natural and unobtrusive. The way the actors move around the office or settle into their chairs fits seamlessly with the conversational rhythm of the script. The writing is sharp and economical, and cuts straight to the heart of the moral tension without unnecessary padding. The slow build of suspense is perfectly matched with moments of quiet intensity, making the production feel intimate and urgent.

While the script undeniably establishes the strong influence these 'ad-men' wield, their outfits offer a vivid visual representation for who they are. Glenn wears an earth-tone three-piece suit paired with brown brogues. It is a classically grounded look that evokes confidence. Bud, on the other hand, is dressed in a well-fitted grey suit with shiny black leather shoes, projecting ambition and ruthless calculation. The contrast of their suits mirrors their contrasting lives: Glenn is older, married with children, and thinking about the future of his family and the world, whereas Bud is single, driven by fame, money, and power, completely unburdened by guilt.

Antony Hateley and Ash Basham's lighting is simple in design but well-considered in creating an intimacy between the pair, while placing a spotlight on them when certain revelations occur. Even though it is staged in traverse, you often forget there are audience members sitting across from you, as the lighting gently guides our attention to the two men in this office.

Smokescreen is set in the 1970s, but it might as well be 2025. It's mind-boggling how the same conversations are still being had about the same issues - climate change, oil, tobacco - and such little progress seems to be happening. Smokescreen really digs into this issue, while also prompting us to reflect on what kinds of conversations are happening right now between industries and the Government that the public has no idea about. With crisp dialogue and an unflinching gaze, this is a gripping and intelligent production that will have you questioning every purchase you make and wondering how far the manipulation really goes.

Show Details

Venue: fortyfive downstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

Season: until 13 July | Thurs - Sat 7:30pm, Sun 5pm
Duration: 90 minutes

Tickets: $45 Full | $35 Concession
Bookings: fortyfive downstairs

Image credit: Nicholas Robertson