Adelaide Fringe: A Special Day

Actors Ana Graham and Antonio Vega rush around in front of us as we enter the theatre; they dress with us and look at us.

They break down the fourth wall and speak to us – directly; welcome us in and invite us to join them. Then they launch into their next burst of frantic morning household rush; dishes, movement and clutter… and we watch it all.

We quickly know that it’s an earlier time; 1938 in an apartment in Rome. Fascism is in full swing. Hitler is visiting Mussolini.

Antonietta and Gabriel collide in life through a chance “catch the bird” encounter. He is a troubled rambling man, living alone; she is a tired and wondering wife and mum. What comes through their encounter, closeness and attraction, and in time – honesty, is a very special day that unfolds for them in a unique moment in time. And it is quite beautiful.

[pull_left]Both actors are excellent; strong; their timing slick and their emotions heartfelt . . . it is ultimately the performances from these two which blows us away.[/pull_left]

Black walls and old furniture sit perfectly in the stunning Holden street Arch. Props are used often and pictures from chalk (that the actors draw) add to the set in a kooky kind of way: windows, birdcage, gramophone, vase with flowers a ringing telephone and more give an interesting touch.

Live soundscape (for the action) is delivered by the actors to accompany and demonstrate the sounds in their chaotic day. Another risky stylized device, but woven into the play very well, it works, mostly.

Both actors are excellent; strong; their timing slick and their emotions heartfelt. And while the story and the direction and the choices for this piece hold us ably – it is ultimately the performances from these two which blows us away.  Emotionally charged, cohesive, clear and confronting enough to keep us on our toes.

The special day that we witness says much about chance encounters, the nature of humanity, love, and another time in history. It also says much about the way life – just is.

Great performances, twists and turns a plenty along with innovative cute additions and ideas make this show very nicely –  Adelaide Fringe.