Review: Tender

HOME > THEATRE > ARCHIVES 2008 >

POSTED: 26 NOV 08

Kate Box and Darren Weller.

All pictures: Brett Boardman Photography

Heather Mitchell.

Pip Miller.

Tender

(SBW Stables Theatre, Kings Cross, Sydney, until 20 December)

How fortunate we are to have a company such as Griffin that dedicates itself to the development of new Australian playwrights and the production of their works.

Tender made its debut with Belvoir’s B Sharp in 2007, and is now enjoying a longer stay at SBW Stables as part of the 2008 Griffin season.

Sarah is a young woman whose memory of a fateful night in the gardens has splintered. Sarah can’t understand why her husband Michael seems distant and his parents are frustrated and distressed. The story shifts from events before and after that night. The audience witnesses both the building of relationships and their disintegration.

Although slightly slow to start, the mystery unfurls with increasing intensity. Kate Box is captivating as Sarah, convincingly shifting between lucidity and bewilderment. Her presence and rendition of Sarah and is fundamental to the success of this production.

Heather Mitchell as Sarah’s mother-in-law Yvonne is superb. She portrays a demanding range of emotions with poise, grace and strength.

Darren Weller (Michael) and Pip Miller (Patrick) skilfully complete the family portrait.

The venue is so close and intimate it feels sometimes like one is intruding on a private conversation. The shadowy set and distinctive lighting adds to the sensation of having stumbled into a family’s most personal and vulnerable moments.

The pacing is occasionally erratic, and a few scenes could have benefited from some judicious editing. Most crackle with emotion and tension.

Nicki Bloom’s dialogue often takes on an almost lyrical quality. Buy the program and enjoy reading through the included script afterwards — it is remarkable.

The final seconds are chilling.

[RETURN TO TOP]

HOME > THEATRE > ARCHIVES 2008 >