Reviews

I have a confession, I know almost nothing about competitive cycling, except they wear Lycra and take over Adelaide once a year in the Tour Down Under, so I approached Symphonie of the Bicycle with a certain amount of trepidation!

On entering the Space Theatre, the performing area is dominated by a black monolithic structure reminiscent of the 2001 – A Space Odyssey obelisk. The lights are low and ominous, and shadows lurk at the sides of the space.

Image: Lib Campbell, Rachel Seeto, Lincoln Elliott, Teale Howie, Annie Stafford, Clay Crighton, Linda Nicholls-Gidley, Paul Grabovac, Mark Langham, Michael Yore. Photographer: Clare Hawley

Australian writer Debra Oswald’s play is centred on Leo, a famous artist, who has been ravaged by years and years of alcohol abuse, coupled with self-loathing and indulgent misbehaviour. He desperately needs round-the-clock care and this is to be provided by Therese, who is fresh out of prison and untrained for the task. We follow the changes and effects this has on both of them while one of his daughters attempts to control the situation, while carrying a lot of anger herself at the life Leo created for her.

The Lieutenant of Inishmore by Martin McDonagh is a dark and comedic tale that takes the audience on a twisted journey through Ireland's chaotic and violent world in the ‘90s. This production, directed by Kathryn Thomas and Mitch Garling, brings this world with its complex characters and intense stories as a perfect balance of humo¯ur and brutality.