It’s somewhat ironic for a solo show to be about family and community.
Random, however, is just that with Zahra Newman, the only actor in the production, playing all 17 characters.
Though she is obviously being asked to do a lot, Newman is more than up to the task. Since graduating from the Victorian College of Arts in 2008, Newman has enjoyed immense success in the acting world. Her ever-growing list of accolades so far includes two Helpmann award nominations, a Green Room award, and a tenure in the role of Nabalungi in the original Australian cast of The Book of Mormon.
Having already performed Random with great success in 2011, Newman feels completely prepared for her role.
“I haven’t played this role in over five years, but over time you inevitably change as a person, you grow…having familiarity with the role, though, definitely gives me a lot of confidence.”
Written by Debbie Tucker Green, Random tells the story of a family, and its community, as it copes with tragedy.
“I hope it leaves the audience thinking about how grief impact communities” said Newman, who also added that she thinks the play’s content is “very relevant today.”
Eamon Flack, the artistic director of the Belvoir Street Theatre, was not hesitated to heap praise on both the production and its star. In a rundown of the theatre’s 2018 offerings, Flack called Newman “virtuosic” and said that the production will take the audience “somewhere remarkable.”
Random offers an opportunity to see a show stealing actor at the top of her game. Plays like this don’t come around every day.
Until Nov 11. Belvoir Street Theatre, 25 Belvoir Street, Surry Hills. $25-49+b.f. Tickets and Info: www.belvoir.com.au
By Gabe Merkel.
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