Zelda tells stories to make herself feel good. She claims to be the heir to the lost city of Atlantis. She knows her stories aren’t true. Tom and Sarah also tell stories, but the line separating truth and fiction is smudged.
Paul Gilchrist’s new play, Atlantis, explores how people use storytelling to get through the trials and tedium of life. Through dialogue and stage directions he involves the audience in the complex relationships and misguided perceptions of the characters.
Kit Bennett, making her debut as a director, describes the use of traverse space to give different sections of the audience varied perspectives on a scene. It simulates how “point of view” can affect a person’s perceptions.
“We can all go through the same experience…but we all have a slightly different story from that experience,” she explained.
There are minimal props and set furniture because the actors are constantly crossing the stage and addressing the audience or each other from different angles. The performance relies mostly on dialogue and relationships, which, Bennett says, Gilchrist is very adept at writing.
“It’s a comedy but with dramatic undertones…it’s meant to entertain but ultimately it’s quite a serious story,” said Bennett.
The play is being performed at the Kings Cross Theatre. Bennett is impressed with the considerably new venue: “They’ve created a really, really fabulous space.”
At 80 seats it’s an intimate environment, but is perfect for the type of theatre Subtlenuance (made up of Paul Gilchrist and fellow writer Daniela Giorgi) likes to create.
And Bennett says it’s exactly right for this play. (RB)
Sep 6–10, 8pm. Kings Cross Theatre/KXT, Lvl 2, Kings Cross Hotel, 244‐248 William St, Kings Cross (NB: strictly 18+ venue). $15-$24. Tickets & info: www.sydneyfringe.com
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