Prima Facie

Following hot on the heels of the highly successful one-woman-play RGB: Of Many One, Prima Facie is another one-person show, from the same author, and is similarly stunning and expertly performed.

The story of a defence lawyer who is sexually assaulted, and chooses to take her case to court, it is performed with great integrity and intelligence by Sophia Forrest, who holds the audience rapt throughout their one hour and forty-minute solo performance. A consummate actor, Sophia crafts the journey of lawyer Tessa with depth and understanding in a layered and nuanced performance.

Bruce McKinven’s subtle set design, which allows for multiple locales from offices through suburban kitchen to courtroom, provides a classy and fitting background for Sophia Forrest’s strong performance. They are costumed thoughtfully by Lynn Ferguson, with Forrest executing some impressive quick changes. Highly emotive lighting design comes from Peter Young, with very supportive sound design and composition by Melanie Robinson.

Not the easiest show to watch, a few audience members decided that despite the total lockout, that they needed to leave the auditorium - all the more noticeable due to the absolute stillness of the remaining audience - totally immersed in this excellent performance.

It is easy to see why this script is much lauded especially, when brought to life with excellent direction and an outstanding performance. A must-see production.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Daniel Grant