REVIEW: The Wind in the Underground
Image: (Photo: Ann-Marie Calilhanna; Star Observer)
On for only a short time more at the Old Fitzroy Theatre is The Wind in the Underground. The 40-minute play tells the story of four siblings and their individual connection to their childhood and family.
In the centre of the play is the siblings’ childhood home. ‘To sell of not to sell’ divides the brothers and sisters, the house becoming a metaphor for the crossroads in each character’s life.
Rowan Davie is superb as the annoying free-spirit traveler whose returned home knowing more about the world than anyone else, and perfectly annoying as his 5-year-old-self, as the narrative continues to flip between the past and present. Each character is raw and real, each finding humourous, or at times upsetting, relatability with their audience.
The plot allows you to read into it as much or as little as you please. Forty minutes could become difficult to settle into, however the chemistry between the four siblings is brilliant, and allows for an easy watch with moments of genuine laughter from the audience, and believable tears from the cast.
It’s really this chemistry that sells this piece of theatre. Given to another cast, it could easily fall flat, possibly better suited to a 40-minute TV episode than stand-alone play. But that bring said, it’s a true showcase of Aussie theatre talent and a fabulous (and fast) night out.
Final show Jun 3, 6:15pm. Old Fitz Theatre, 129 Dowling Street (Cnr of Cathedral St) Woolloomooloo. $25. Tickets & Info: www.redlineproductions.com.au
Reviewed by Chantal Walsh.
