Catastrophes

Commissioned by the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts, Catastrophes is a beautifully drawn two-hander about new parenthood in a world accelerating towards its demise and being a mother in a world of pandemics, climate change and other catastrophes.

Autobiographical, honest, and very clever, this almost "stream of consciousness” play sees the two writer performers, Renée Newman and Ella Hetherington, on a stage with chairs and ominous yet beautiful overhead canopies that move throughout, framing and accentuating the dialogue. “Played” by scenographer Mark Haslem like a strange alien harp, they are stunning yet disturbing.

Renée Newman and Ella Hetherington are old friends and their ease with each other makes for a show that feels as if you are in safe hands, despite often disturbing subject matter. Performed with sometimes disarming honesty, the show is warm and frank as well as being very self-aware, as they tell of the show being developed through text messages, conversations, and multiple workshops as it was incubated during “unprecedented times” meaning that it was five years in gestation.

A show that was worth waiting for - it is very relatable for anyone who has had children or for whom the day-to-day-disasters threaten to overwhelm - proof that you are not alone in your feelings.

Visually beautiful and emotionally uplifting, the audience barely moved during this hour-long show (and I didn’t even notice what can often be uncomfortable seats). A lovely little piece of theatre that will leave you feeling very satisfied - a warm hug of a show.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Aaron Claringbold