HELTER SKELTER

Playwright Neil Labute is renowned for writing plays with edgy and unsettling portrayals of human relationships. Theatregoers should be riveted by Helter Skelter, an explosive premiere one act play presented by Turtle Lab.

A young married couple expecting a child feel trapped in their relationship and desperately yearn for better lives. Infidelity amongst other issues ultimately shatters this “seemingly happy relationship”.

While they dine in a restaurant, tension escalates with such brutal force, that what transpires will leave audiences with mixed emotions. Director Jonathon Wald believes audiences are ready for plays which explore the darker side of human nature.

“Australian audiences have a wide range of tastes in theatre, where nudity and violence are acceptable onstage,” explains Wald.

A cast of two (Nadia Townsend and Julian Garner) with accompaniment by vocalist Elise McCann and clever lighting/set design all come together to heighten the intrigue and should make this a very clever and thought-provoking experience.

“Normal people get caught up in extreme things. This play tackles what it means to live honest lives – and to be heard,” says Wald. “A must see for everyone who has ever felt betrayed in love.” (MM)

Jun 19-30, Old 505 Theatre 505, 342 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills, $25, venue505.com

BY MARK MORELLINI