Monsters

This is a play with incredible mood and atmosphere. Writer Emme Hoy suggests that the pandemic has inspired a great deal of escapist entertainment material to help society work its way through what has become known as “permacrisis” (permanent crisis). This play does quite the opposite and seeks to confront the demons that have generated the variety of social and political ills which have plagued recent times. This is addressed via a story around the rescue of a woman, Claire, who has fallen through a sink hole and is trapped in a terrifying labyrinth-like underworld. 

The dream-like approach to the narrative is unusual yet recognisable and accessible. The rescue attempt is narrated by the lost woman's sister who is determined to find Claire with the aid of a guide who takes her through the cavernous environment. Her story is illustrated or echoed through some amazing contemporary dance that captures the physical and psychological horrors that lurk beneath the earth's surface. The choreography is stunning and the execution by the three dancers (Samantha Hines, Josie Weise, Kimball Wong) is exceptional. Their incredible skill and precision is beautifully on display in this performance. The contortions and manipulations of their extremely nimble bodies is simultaneously breathtaking and frightening. 

As the story of the rescue becomes increasingly terrifying the eeriness of the movement is increasingly supported by the striking set, lighting, costume and sound design. Characters and objects seem to strangely and dramatically appear and disappear out of nowhere. This creates a very disconcerting experience for the audience and intensifies the terror of the narrative. Alison Whyte is magnificent as the narrator, and her delivery of the events is always compelling.

Monsters is a dark tale which aptly captures both the angst and the courage or daring that is required to overcome the troubling social conditions of contemporary society. While the story is clearly allegorical the ambience and the narrative arc easily resonate with issues such as climate change, environmentalism, and the gradual and terrifying loss of faith in both governing and information systems. Whatever your demons are this play deliberately invokes them and then, potentially, exorcises them. This is a captivating and engrossing performance not to be missed.

Patricia Di Risio

Photographer: Pia Johnson