Consensual
Image: Photo: Bob Seary
Consensual is a startling production that brings a timeless and important subject matter into the spotlight: sex, consent and where the line becomes blurred. Written by British playwright Evan Placey and directed by Johann Walraven, the play tells the story of Diane, a high school teacher responsible for implementing the new year 11 ‘healthy relationships’ curriculum, otherwise known as Sex Ed.
The story takes on a few unexpected twists and turns. We are introduced to a young man named Freddie who confronts Diane and intends on pressing charges regarding an incident 6 years earlier when he was only 15. This is the most intriguing part of the story as he alleges that she groomed him for months and finally one night at her apartment they had sex but Diane insists Freddie was actually the instigator and not only took advantage of her but bragged about it later. Diane’s husband is supportive and completely believes in her but who is telling the truth and who is lying is never really certain.
The play does a great job in tackling the issue of consent and how entangled the central characters are within this moral dilemma. The scenes in the class room, where we are shown Diane’s efforts to teach her students about consensual sex and the way teenagers react to the subject are poignant and very entertaining.
Consensual is an excellent play all around with a great cast of young actors and a creative production team that adds a lot of value to the show.
Until Apr 15, Various performance times. New Theatre, 542 King St, Newtown. $20-$35. Tickets & Info: www.newtheatre.org.au
By Daniel Jaramillo.
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