THE WET

I grew up in Far North Queensland and waiting for The Wet during endless months of increasing heat and humidity is a memory seared into my bones. The anxious consultations about the activities of ants, insects and wildlife, the joyous romp through the rain which always started just as we were walking home from school. Then, the consequences of so much rain including flooded creeks and our drinking water being contaminated and undrinkable made The Wet a feature in our lives for at least half the year.

The cicadas on the soundtrack as I walked in took me back to sitting quietly by the creek in the evenings and almost unbearably hot and sweaty nights surrounded by their calls. Then the dramatic entry of the ensemble members set expectations about the physicality and focus of the company. Their performance had many circus and dance elements woven into four phases: Indicating Events, Surplus, Confinement, Release. While my memory does not fit neatly into these phases, the movement, music, lighting and sound certainly evoked the cloying closeness of the air, the rising interpersonal tensions, the longing for the rains and coolness and then the wonderful relief of the first thunder, lightning and following rainstorm. There were many small vignettes including a notable one depicting some of the animals from the area and a stirring bird dance which wove through the performance.

The ensemble includes Margaret Church Koop, Johnny Brown, Violetta Van Geyzel, Jacob Kenner and Manelaya Kaydos Nitis. They worked very closely together with thrilling lifts, acrobatics, dives over each other, spins, swings and balancing long spears. Each person had their chance to shine, and they did, with the audience being often moved to applause.

There were the occasional fumbles which were well covered. At times the performers were straining to hold their form, and some shortened timeframes might help.

This performance deserves recognition, not just for the technical skills on display, but also for so generously bringing the experience and meaning of the Wet to people who may never be exposed to its power.

Ruth Richter

images: Josephine Seale