HUMOUR AND AUTHENTICITY IN TROUPE’S LATEST

Death brings out the best and worst in families, a truism eloquently portrayed in Torquay Theatre Troupe’s fine production of The Memory of Water.

Penned by UK playwright Shelagh Stephenson, the play explores several themes, the most obvious being the complex nature of grief and family relationships.

Memory is another more subtle theme, running in the background throughout – those things remembered, misremembered, forgotten. The innate memories we don’t even notice, like the distinct hand gesture passed on from one generation to another.

Mary (Kathryn O’Neill), Teresa (Frankie Swithinbank) and Catherine (Skye Straude) reunite at their family home for their mother’s funeral. Each carries the scars of their traditional upbringing by a passive mother and dominant father along with long-held sibling grudges.

Teresa’s husband Frank (Ethan Cook) and Mary’s lover (Michael Baker) join them, offering outsiders’ perceptions.

Catherine’s latest exotic boyfriend, Javier, remains absent physically. Mother Vi (Claudia Clark) materialises at different
points to converse with Mary, providing deeper insight into the intricate nature of mother-daughter relationships.

The intelligent script combines comedy and pathos well. The scene where the three sisters sort through Vi’s clothes,
each outfit evoking another memory and resulting in some wacky dress-ups that end in laughter, is memorable for its humour and authenticity – qualities evident throughout.

Under Sandra Fairthorne’s thoughtful direction, the six highly skilled actors imbue their characters with emotional
truth. All give compelling performances, with Swithinbank, Straude and Clark making their Troupe debut alongside
stalwart Baker and second-timers O’Neill and Cook.

Production values, as always, are high.

The set design, Vi’s bedroom, deserves a special mention. The closing image, of a curtain flapping gently across a lightfiltered window is haunting.

Funny and poignant, The Memory of Water resonates on both an emotional and intellectual level. Highly recommended.

The play will be performed on May 16, May 17, May 18, May 23, May 24 and May 25 at 8pm at 16 Price Street, Torquay. An
afternoon screening on Sunday May 19 will begin at 2pm. Seats are limited.

To book, visit trybooking.com.au or phone 5261 6111.