The Country

British playwright Martin Crimp is ruthless in his portrayal of human relationships. His detached dialogue evokes a myriad of emotions; his flawed characters are full of cynicism, distrust and sadness. As you enter the performing space you are face to face with a renovator’s dream; an old grainery set in the countryside. A maze of exits lead to the backyard. It is desolate, cold and mirrors the action of the play perfectly.

Set designer David Lampard captures a barely liveable abode in desperate need of love and attention. Exposed panelling and peeling wallpaper do well to mask the troubled souls within. Although action set within the house was at times masked, this emphasised that we were viewing the distortions in these complex personalities. Daniel Barber’s lighting was dim, casting shadows across the action that would usually be distracting, but he captured the ebb and flow of the mood and sustained an uncomfortable feeling to the evening sky.

Married couple Corinne and Richard hope that a change of scenery will bring about a fresh start to their strained relationship. Richard promises his wife that he has control of his demons, but her desire to resurrect their connection is marred when Richard brings home a supposed stranger. False truths leave characters questioning their strength and ability to pretend. Jo Stone's Corinne captures a vitriol, a discontent that tests her resolve. Forsaking her own happiness to preserve the façade exposes a broken woman. Her performance is restrained and powerful. Richard is brought to life by Nathan O’Keefe. His multi-faceted performance lays bare a tortured soul willing to go to any lengths to restore balance and keep up the pretence of stability. Natalia Sledz brings an instability to her portrayal of Rebecca, a desperation that demands vilification. She is argumentative and justifiably bitter.

Director Paulo Castro sustains the intensity throughout; he meets the hostile dialogue with pace and brings to life a story of discontent and self-sabotage. A sad depiction of a marriage that continues despite insincere motives is challenging and compelling viewing.

Kerry Cooper

Image: Rodeo, Adelaide Festival of Arts