Mansion

As the publicity suggests this is not for the faint of heart. The horrific elements of this show may initially appear to be innocuous or even amusing, however, chills running down your spine are guaranteed by the end of the show.

This show is an imaginative and resourceful exploitation of the setting combined with the extraordinary dance and circus skills of the performers. The performance is set in Labassa Mansion, which is an opulent example of Victorian architecture. Historically it was home to the Melbourne elite during the early 20^th century and proves to be the ideal setting for this gruesome story.

Mel Walker (Skylar Dephinus) is newly widowed and she and her children, Levi (Lukas White) and Rachel (Shona Guiry), begin to experience strange and disconcerting paranormal events in their luxurious home. The demonic spirits emerge from the walls and the furniture simultaneously seducing and threatening to devour the family members. 

This fully immersive theatre experience is accentuated by the promenade approach and each room reveals a different chapter or episode of the narrative. The ghostly characters are given great scope and prominence in the story and they become as familiar as the family itself. 

The Caretaker (Bass G Fam) guides the audience through the space in an eerie and deathly manner. The spectral presence of former residents of the house such as The Bride (Anna McGrath) and The Flower Girl (Jemma Graig) is beautifully choreographed. One scene set in the hallway upstairs has the children innocently moving about while being blissfully unaware that they are surrounded by evil spirits.  

The interactions with the family become increasingly nightmarish, invading ever increasing private spaces such as bedrooms and bathrooms, and making their presence more tangible and frightening. Each scenario features a phenomenal dance or circus performance often combining contemporary dance with ballet, commercial dance, burlesque and amazing aerial acts.

The voice overs and soundtrack work well to help drive the narrative along. Music is pumped throughout the house in a somewhat heavy handed manner and some consideration of a more nuanced use of sound could have helped to heighten the sinister atmosphere.

Mansionis an immaculately produced show that has great attention to detail. The elaborate costuming, the well-defined spaces and the intricately designed sets bring a fresh and innovative approach to some very familiar horror tropes. This results in an unforgettable and unique theatrical experience which is also highly sensual and sumptuous.

Patricia Di Risio

Photographer: Ben Vella