Cephalopod

Cephalopods are a class of highly advanced marine animals with tentacles, including octopi, molluscs and squid. Very different to most animals, they are sometimes suggested to be alien in origin.

Jess Nyanda Moyle’s Cephalopod is the story of growing up Filipina and gay in Perth. Interestingly, it is playing at the same time as Sharbat, about being young, female and Muslim in Perth, performed downstairs in the same venue, and Black Swan’s Fully Sikh, about being young, female and Sikh in Perth, performed literally next door. The trio make an interesting trilogy and are a celebration of young, brown women writers making themselves heard.

Cephalopod is performed in two acts, which might be better described as two seperate but related plays, because although they deal with the same feelings, themes and ideas, they are so stylistically opposed that they feel almost like separate works, except that the second answers almost all of the questions raised by the first.

The first act is a loud, eclectic, theatrical experience. Visually strong, we learn about cephalopods and a little about Jess, in a highly physical performance by Jess Nyanda Moyle, strongly supported by Andrew Sutherland, Ramiah Alcantara and Molly Earnshaw. Stylistically it feels not unlike Death Throes, performed at the Blue Room earlier this year, and also (partly) directed by Joe Lui, but this is warmer and gentler. Stunning visuals are created by AV designer Mia Holton, whose work flows organically with Jason Ng’s strong lighting design. Olivia Tartaglia’s costume design is bold and unapologetic, with the use of fluro colour also highlighted by Jason Ng Junjie’s design.

The second act feels more like a warm and fuzzy Ted Talk, as Jess Nyanda Moyle delivers an extended monologue to the audience. Playing against some subject headings that we have seen in the first act, the avant-garde and seemingly disconnected stylings of the first act become clear and more meaningful.

A performance with a lot of heart, likeable performers and a lovely message, this is a show that grows on you as you watch it. As if you are being wrapped in an octopus’ tentacles, you will find yourself drawn into Cephalopod.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer:Mitchell Aldridge