Emily Ayoub and Michael Cutrupi Photo: Heidrun Lohr
The intimacy of the Stables is the perfect setting for this energetic, almost manic, play about adolescence and the emotional whirlwind involved in the getting of wisdom.
Michael Cutrupi dominates the space as 16-year-old Connor, an angry young man whose rage has no direction but plenty of force. Connor’s tornado-like fury has no specific focus as it lashes out at everyone from his parents to his classmates, and even his best friend.
At their wits’ end, his parents take him to the country and let him loose in the woods where they hope his fury will exhaust itself. The question is if there’s no-one there to hear it will Connor’s rage make any sound?
But there is someone out there, a kindred spirit who shares his anger and the seemingly uncontrollable emotions of those turbulent teenage years. Enter love, the salve that cures all ills. Boy meets girl, they’re both angry but it doesn’t seem to matter so much when you have someone to share it with.
Funny and almost cathartic, this play explodes the dilemma and challenge of the coming of age using shadow puppetry, dance and music. Jasmine Christie’s simple but effective design is versatile and childlike and the theme is well supported with music from Daryl Wallis and choreography by Ash Bee.
Under the deft guidance of director Kate Gaul a strong supporting cast that includes Anthony Weir, Emily Ayoub, Natalia Ladyko and Renee Heys swap characters and share roles without any confusion.
The script from Tasmanian playwright Finegan Kruckemeyer is clever and provides plenty of scope to explore this tumultuous period in a humorous and insightful way.
This Siren Theatre Co and Griffin Independent production, in association with Inplay Arts, reminds us of our own teenage years and for those who are parents, reminds us to go easy on ourselves.
The Violent Outburst That Drew Me To You plays at Griffin’s SBW Stables Theatre 10 Nimrod Street, Kings Cross until July 12. Bookings 02 9361 3817 or www.griffintheatre.com.au
