The Fence

Fleur Murphy unflinchingly examines the threads of violence in our society with delicacy, insight and humour. The central character (Louisa Mignone) has a toddler who isn’t sleeping well and a husband who has become emotionally and practically absent.

The play starts when the fence is torn down by their new neighbour leaving the houses and their occupants exposed to each other. There are unsettling events suggestive of family violence in the house next door and making choices about how to respond is challenging.

The play raises issues around systemic violence in misogyny, the unequal division of labour in households, the lack of supports for people caring for children at home and the impact of the housing price boom.

Louisa Mignone creates and carries all the characters in the play - the mother, child, husband, both of the neighbours, co-workers, her mother, the real estate salesperson, workers on the block next door and a member of the Police force. Each character is embodied and voiced in an exceptionally accomplished presentation of the actor’s craft.

Louisa is supported by a strong sound (Sidney Millar) and lighting design (Clare Springett). The staging using movable house pieces was clever (Karen Larche), but its constant movement was sometimes intrusive.

Violence is an ugly presence in our community and this play sheds light on its overt and subtle intrusions.

Ruth Richter

Images: Cameron Grant (Parenthesy)