Autobahn

Underground Productions deliver a traffic stopping night at the theatre with Autobahn. Consisting of seven short vignettes, each one involves just two people and each one takes place entirely within the confines of the front seat of a car.

Written by Neil LaBute, the play’s original all-star cast included Philip Seymour Hoffman, Susan Sarandon, Peter Dinklage and Kyra Sedgwick.

This week Autobahn had its Queensland premiere at the Schonell Theatre.

To emphasise the intimacy of being confined to your average family vehicle, the audience is invited up onto the stage and seated to experience the drama up very close and very personal. The set is simple and effective, leaving little to distract from the actors, allowing them the audience’s complete attention.

From a make out session gone awry, to a kidnapping thinly disguised as a road trip, a reconnaissance mission involving the rescue of a Nintendo 64, to a daughter’s long ride home after her release from rehab, Autobahn is an unsettling montage of moments. These seven stories are simply glimpses into these characters lives as the audience witness their most vulnerable moments and left intrigued as to what will happen once they leave the refuge the car provides.

Underground Productions once again wrangled in a talented ensemble of emerging Brisbane artists, lead by Meg Ham who beautifully directs the emotional ride. The cast bring to the stage well developed and highly engaging characters as they tackle the text fearlessly head on.

Like a road trip on a long and winding road, Autobahn is a night of unexpected sharp corners and the occasional speed bump that has you laughing out loud and shedding a tear for these characters as they bare all right in front of you.

Autobahn is Underground Productions final main stage show for 2013.

For more information visit www.undergroundproductions.org.au