In Blood

A one man show performed, devised, and written by Zachary Kazepis, In Blood is a confessional noirish tale set in a small rural town, about an innocent working class, twenty-one-year-old man, who once had dreams of breaking free from his origins, so he could be “somebody or someone”.

Kazepis’ character is shackled, his blood-stained hands and face indicate violence. In the lock up (interview room) at the local police station, he is wide-eyed, bewildered, and uncertain. We don’t know why he is there; one can only assume he has committed a bloody crime. While he keeps the audience guessing, he takes us on his life’s journey.

Kazepis gives an understated and real performance. We are watching a young felon come to terms with the crime that he has committed. He recalls his life as a young child, with his grandparents, driving in their station wagon. His grandad, who worked at the local meat factory, is portrayed as real hard yakka. His grandma knitting him a football jumper, just so he could play footy with his team and hang with his mates -  sees him labelled as wearing a “povo jumper”, and struggling to be accepted by his wealthier peers.

There is a build-up of dramatic tension as the felon addresses his situation - he lifts his shackled hands, he turns to a brighter place, yet remains in fear of his current dire circumstances; he knows he is trapped, and there is no turning back. He goes back in time and tells us of his happier time, up on the hill with a mate, he recalls the town celebrating an annual event and his grandmother’s cake stall. There is fear and loathing in his eyes as he addresses his past with remorse.

In Blood is a well written piece of dramatic theatre - Kazepis is imaginative and lucid.  The music (Kazepis) and lighting (Julian Adams) are effective in providing tension and suspense.

Flora Georgiou

Photographer: Darren Gill