Henry Lawson Theatre Inc: Stories in the dark - Review by Corina Thompson

What an amazing piece of theatre to showcase the young talent in our region. Directed by Nicole Madden, who has worked extensively with local students eager to learn about the magic of performing, "Stories in the Dark" brings 5 traditional tales to a modern audience. Set in a bombed-out theatre, props are strewn everywhere, costumes are left on racks, posters from shows are still on the walls (cleverly depicting the different stories portrayed by the cast) with the stage reflecting the chaos of the outside world.

Lighting is used to great effect, with red highlighting the war-torn city, dimmed lights showing the need to conserve the battery power but also the need to hide from the enemy, and total darkness after shots are fired to signify death. Costumes are simple as the actors change on stage, but there are plenty of props suited to each character.

The soundtrack has been carefully chosen to represent each story and includes some very well-known songs such as "Imagine," which highlights the repercussions of shots being fired. "And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda" is another song that emphasises the absurdity of war. The railway station scenes have beautiful music softly playing, which underpins the hope and despair of the visitors who come to search for news of their loved ones. The most poignant song is "Here Comes the Sun," which both opens and closes the performance, offering renewed hope every day to those whose lives have been affected by the uncertainty that war brings.

The stories come from a book called "Tales From Many Lands" found by Anna, who reads them during the day and then shares them with Tomas at night, retelling them from memory. The final story in the play is made up by Tomas, who takes over the role of storyteller when Anna has left to cross the border to freedom. He imagines her reaching Paris with a suitcase stuffed full of American dollars and brings in parts from the other stories as he pictures her happy reunion with her mother celebrating her birthday.

Tomas is an 11-year-old boy from the country, lost and alone in the city, who stumbles upon Anna's hideout. Anna is a streetwise teenager aged 16 who takes him under her wing because he has no idea how to survive in a war-torn city. Her apartment was burned down, she does not know where her mother is and she is searching desperately for her. One day she thinks she has spotted her on the street, but is devastated to discover that the lady wearing the coat she recognised as belonging to her mother is a complete stranger. Anna barters for food on the black market and sells possessions for US dollars to fund her escape to Paris. She tries to teach Tomas how to get food, but he isn't very successful. To begin with, Anna is contemptuous of the country kid, calling him "carrot boy" and "cabbage head," but she looks after Tomas, providing a clean shirt so he does not smell so bad and supplying him with food. They have been forced together by circumstances beyond their control, but soon develop complementary roles, Anna telling the stories and Tomas listening to them, forming their own small family unit.

Leisel Hussy is an exceptional lead, bringing complexity and depth to her role as Anna. Angry at first when she discovers Tomas in her hideout, she gradually softens towards him, telling him stories to help him sleep. Tomas is frightened and alone, incapable of looking after himself. Spencer Mitchell portrays this vulnerable boy admirably. Afraid and unsure of his fate, Spencer shows how their character's confidence grows under Anna's care as he begins his journey to independence. We believe he will survive the war and be reunited with his sister even though we are not so sure about Anna's future.

The ensemble actors provide the background action, rather like a Greek chorus, reacting as one to the two protagonists as well as taking on the roles of the characters in the stories. Their energy and versatility bring the tales within the play to life. They also act as stage crew, setting scenes and getting props ready for each story. They are the ghosts of the actors who died when the theatre was bombed. They continue their job, acting out the stories for the two children, sharing emotions and bringing laughter to lighten the oppressiveness of war, listening, watching and commenting on the plot. Every actor brings something special to their individual performance within the ensemble.

In the first story of "The Miller's Son," young Monty has some cool dance moves and Sandy Moffat is hilariously gross as the smelly grandmother who enjoys eating lice. Chloe is a funny ogre with great facial expressions and Grace brings the role of the miller's son to life.

"Lazy Gus," the second story, was my favourite, with Geoff Hacker overacting brilliantly as the main character. His face and thumbs up at every death brought much laughter from the audience, as did Bailey's reaction when she thought she had poisoned her husband. I loved Eilidh's highly amusing performance as the angry farmer with perfect facial expressions, a funny voice and a crazy walk to top it off, who thought she had shot and killed him. Her comic timing was exceptional for such a young actress. The canned laughter was an inspired touch, making it feel as if we were all watching a comedy show on the television.

The third story of "The Singing Bones" was unknown to me and I appreciated the effort gone into portraying it visually. It also showed that Ellie can play an evil character just as well as a sweet one. We definitely have plenty of talent in our young actors.

In story 4, "The Ice Dragon and the She-Wolf," my favourite part was Melody's wonderful stalking across the stage. My final comments are for Angela Pezzano, who is always brilliant, and I have watched her in many shows. No matter how big or small her role, she always gives it 100%, and I loved the different accents she used in these tales. She talks like her character, she moves like her character, she just embodies her character. What a wonderful role model she is for our aspiring young actors.

Stories in the Dark" is a triumph for everyone involved, and a credit to Nicole Madden's gentle guidance of this talented young cast. It's a production that lingers with you, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, stories have the power to bring comfort and hope. If you have the chance to see this show, don't miss it.