Review by Markus Hamence – Performance Date: Tuesday 30 July 2024 (Opening Night), Space Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre
Last night, Adelaide’s theatre elite were out in droves ensuring the State Theatre Company of South Australia premiered its latest production, “The Questions,” at the Adelaide Festival Centre’s Space Theatre to a full-house. Opening night was a triumph, with a performance that had us audience enamoured and captivated from start to finish.
“She has a master’s degree in Gender Studies. He thinks Jordan Peterson would make an ideal dinner guest. They both realise this blind date is doomed, but an outside catastrophe and “shelter in place” lockdown order forces these polar opposites into the longest first date ever. And the frustrated rock band rehearsing in the apartment next door is hardly helping them stay calm. Desperate to end the constant bickering, they turn to “The Questions”, a real-life psychological questionnaire researchers promise can build intimacy between anyone. But are either of them ready for the answers?
Inspired by a true story from the COVID-19 pandemic, The Questions is a rom-com musical with edge from iconoclastic Australian playwright, columnist and author, Van Badham, featuring genre-busting, folk, punk and pop melodies from her long-time collaborator, composer Richard Wise (Late Night Story).” – Taken from State Theatre Company of South Australia
‘The Questions” delves into the intricate web of human curiosity and the search for meaning. The play, directed by Adelaide’s gem Mitchell Butel, masterfully intertwines personal narratives with broader philosophical inquiries. From the very first scene, the audience is invited to embark on a journey that is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally resonant. Let’s get deeper…
The Performances
The cast delivered powerful performances, each actor bringing depth and nuance to their roles. Lead actors Charles Wu as the strict, routine and order driven ‘The Resident’ and Chaya Ocampo as quite the opposite with her role as ‘The Visitor’ were compelling, portraying their characters torn between the desire for certainty and the acceptance of ambiguity. Both of their emotional range and stage presence were remarkable, drawing the audience into the character’s inner turmoils and trials.
The roller-coaster we experienced ranged many emotions and feelings, from curiosity, discomfort, dislike, hatred, distaste, resentment, lust, semi-like, like, respect and possibly eventual love. It was a VERY colourful palette.
Supporting actors also shone brightly from the afar apartment window. The young band member neighbours – James Bannah Jr, Sam Lau and Jackson Mack offered a dynamic interplay, their characters’ contrasting perspectives creating a rich tapestry of music that fitted the play well and also allowed a solid scene break from the tense situations that were arising in the apartment next door. Though with no dialogue (aside from singing) their chemistry on stage was obvious, adding an extra layer of authenticity and a uniqueness to the performance. They kinda of come in and out of the performance (with the use of window blinds), their part in the performance did give me flashbacks to the Ben Stiller movie ‘There’s Something About Mary’ where the duo band pop in and out of the movie interjecting with song. It was a clever concept and it world.
Set Design
The set design (and costume design) by Jeremy Allen was a visual feast. Utilizing a minimalist yet versatile approach, the set transformed seamlessly to reflect the shifting contexts and themes of the play. Clever use of lighting by Gavin Norris added depth and mood, enhancing the storytelling without overshadowing the actors’ performances. The combination of these elements created an immersive experience, drawing the audience deeper into the narrative.
Sound
The original score, by Richard Wise, was Music Supervised by Adelaide’s own world re known, Kym Purling, he provided the perfect auditory backdrop to the unfolding drama. The music underscored the emotional beats of the play, heightening the impact of key moments and transitions. The score was both subtle and powerful, complementing the on-stage action without distracting from it.
The Sound Design, by Andrew Howard, was, well, very sound… from the booming government announcements which were bold and intimidating and most certainly flashed you back to our 2020 lockdown era through to the actor’s dialogue… it was perfection.
Timely Topics
‘The Questions’ tackles a range of contemporary issues, from existential doubt to the complexities of human relationships. The script, is sharp, insightful, and often poignant. The writing balances weighty themes with moments of levity, making the play both thought-provoking and accessible.
Wrap Up
The opening night of ‘The Questions’ was a resounding success, leaving the audience with much to ponder long after the final curtain fell. It was joyous with big laughs, lots of awkwardness and most of all heartwarming, exactly the kind of play we need right now. The State Theatre Company of South Australia has once again proven its ability to deliver compelling, high-quality theatre that challenges and entertains in equal measure. Again, they have smashed another one right of the park.
In summary, ‘The Questions’ is a brilliant addition to the State Theatre Company’s repertoire, showcasing the best of what contemporary theatre has to offer. Don’t miss out on this engaging, thought-provoking performance. But, what are ‘THE Questions’? Go along and find out yourself, you’ll be glad you did…
A total FIVE STARS from me!
The Questions runs at Space Theatre in Adelaide Festival Centre until 17 August 2024
Click here for tickets and times/dates 🙂
