Kate’s Story

Kate’s Story is part of an arts event called ‘The Other Side” centred on the problem of homelessness. Victoria Park Centre for the Arts plays host, not only to the play, but to a Perth-centric photography exhibition and a curated musical playlist looking at issues of homelessness, poor mental health, broken family relationships and disturbed childhoods.

The play, inspired partly by real life events, explores how isolated, seemingly small events can have enormous impact on a person. A series of monologues from Kate, played at various stages of life by Sarah Christiner, Meredith Hunter and Jane Sherwood, look at her story as she struggles through broken relationships, mental illness, alcoholism and homelessness. It is set in the Victoria Park area, with local references, and disarming ring-of-truth detail, which adds to its impact.

Excellent performances from all three women, in probably the least glamorous roles of their careers, and although each ‘Kate’ performs in isolation (which in itself is very telling) there is evidence of strong teamwork and a sense of combined character building and understanding.

The show features thoughtful sound design by Daniel Toomath and Sarah Christiner, and is set simply and effectively.

A fascinating initiative by event co-ordinator Sarah Christiner and director Siobhan O’Gara, this expertly performed play deserves bigger audiences. Although sometimes difficult to watch, this short and moving production is well worth seeing.

Kimberley Shaw