Review: Strange Attractor

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Above left: Josh McConville as Rube, Ivan Donato as Chilli, Peter Kowitz as Taipan, Blazey Best as Truckie, Darren Gilshenan as Colin

Above right: Darren Gilshenan as Colin, Peter Kowitz as Taipan

Images credit: Olivia Martin-McGuire

Blazey Best as Truckie, Ivan Donato as Chilli

Josh McConville as Rube

Sandy Winton as Gus

POSTED: 02 NOVEMBER 2009

Strange Attractor, by Sue Smith

Griffin Theatre & Riverside Productions | Stables Theatre, Darlinghurst, Sydney | Until 21 November

Then Riverside Theatres, Parramatta, 24–28 November

With an arts background and a pathological fear of mathematics and science, I needed to do a bit of research into the title of Sue Smith’s latest work, Strange Attractor.

Phew. I won’t do that again.

Luckily, an understanding of quantum physics isn’t a requirement for enjoying this stunning new play, but from the superficial understanding I did gain, it is evident that Smith has smoothly integrated the concepts of chaos theory into the story of Strange Attractor.

Basically, even the smallest of initial changes in a highly sensitive system can result in an enormously different final result, even over a short time period. Although the result might seem random, it was actually predetermined by that initial condition. A frequently used lay term for this is the “butterfly effect”. You know, if a butterfly flaps its wings in Brazil. does it start a tornado in Texas?

Griffin’s production of Strange Attractor stands out as the current highlight of their already fine 2009 season. With Brides of Christ and Bastard Boys already to her name, Smith has created a sharp, incisive story that is uniquely Australian and timeless in its themes.

Set in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, a motley crew of railway construction workers endure harsh conditions and isolation. They all have different reasons for being there, be it the chance to make some quick money, build a better future for their family, or escape. The work is hard, the workers harder. There is an enforced “dry” hour in the mess hall to encourage the workers to eat something and not just exist on Bundy and beer.

A cyclone has hit the camp, with fatal consequences. Gus (Sandy Winton), the safety officer, has been killed. Hot, exhausted and frayed, the team are to be questioned by the “company man”, Colin (Darren Gilshenan), sent from Perth to investigate the incident prior to a coronial inquest.

Shifting seamlessly from the present to the past, the true story of how Gus died unfolds. Strange Attractor is a bleak and relentless observation of morality, self-preservation and the boundaries of blame. Colin scrabbles about in the red dirt for the truth; the team conspire to bury his findings as quickly as he unearths them.

Nick Marchand’s direction is spot-on, allowing a superb cast to fully realise Smith’s skilfully drawn characters. Each actor conveys the humanity, flaws and qualities of their persona so very well. In 90 minutes whole lives are laid bare with startling honesty.

Perhaps it is inevitable that such an artificial society — for want of a better word — should struggle to maintain some semblance of normality, again, for want of a better word. No wonder that chaos reigns; it was predetermined, after all.

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