At Arm’s Length

Student share houses have been the scene of many plays. They are, after all, many students’ first fling into the world. Negotiating money, sex, alcohol, getting assignments done, making sure there is some food, even if only ramen-noodles and keeping the clothes under control all rate a mention. But the core of this play’s exploration is identity and crafting a future – ‘practicing life’.

The play is constructed of narrative and physical elements including expressive movement and some dance. The spoken text expresses some of the dilemmas and worries of constructing an identity – to be like my parents or not, how to make money, to have sex with the person my house mate has already had sex with or not. The ensemble worked with excellent focus to find moments of reflection and passion. The expressive movement was competent with a stand out performance by ‘Clare’.

The stage was set with drifts of clothes and a naked ironing board covered with food and drink. The lighting was effective and unobtrusive. The sound track was brought onto the stage by directions to the ‘DJ’ and supported the movement and action.

The play ended unexpectedly. It seemed like just the beginning of exploring how to craft a life but finished before the consequences creep in, which is when life starts to craft you. It left me feeling this play is the first act with two, more substantial, to come.

Ruth Richter

Performed by Victoria Bennett, Patrick Durnan-Silva, Jacquiline Essing and Riley Pullen. Stage Management by Susannah de Bree. Lighting by Robin Thomas.

Image by Gemma Dawn Photography