Death brings out the best and worst in families, a truism eloquently portrayed in Torquay Theatre Troupe\u2019s fine production of The Memory of Water.<\/p>\n
Penned by UK playwright Shelagh Stephenson, the play explores several themes, the most obvious being the complex nature of grief and family relationships.<\/p>\n
Memory is another more subtle theme, running in the background throughout \u2013 those things remembered, misremembered, forgotten. The innate memories we don\u2019t even notice, like the distinct hand gesture passed on from one generation to another.<\/p>\n
Mary (Kathryn O\u2019Neill), Teresa (Frankie Swithinbank) and Catherine (Skye Straude) reunite at their family home for their mother\u2019s funeral. Each carries the scars of their traditional upbringing by a passive mother and dominant father along with long-held sibling grudges.<\/p>\n
Teresa\u2019s husband Frank (Ethan Cook) and Mary\u2019s lover (Michael Baker) join them, offering outsiders\u2019 perceptions.<\/p>\n
Catherine\u2019s latest exotic boyfriend, Javier, remains absent physically. Mother Vi (Claudia Clark) materialises at different
\npoints to converse with Mary, providing deeper insight into the intricate nature of mother-daughter relationships.<\/p>\n
The intelligent script combines comedy and pathos well. The scene where the three sisters sort through Vi\u2019s clothes,
\neach outfit evoking another memory and resulting in some wacky dress-ups that end in laughter, is memorable for its humour and authenticity \u2013 qualities evident throughout.<\/p>\n
Under Sandra Fairthorne\u2019s thoughtful direction, the six highly skilled actors imbue their characters with emotional
\ntruth. All give compelling performances, with Swithinbank, Straude and Clark making their Troupe debut alongside
\nstalwart Baker and second-timers O\u2019Neill and Cook.<\/p>\n
Production values, as always, are high.<\/p>\n
The set design, Vi\u2019s bedroom, deserves a special mention. The closing image, of a curtain flapping gently across a lightfiltered window is haunting.<\/p>\n
Funny and poignant, The Memory of Water resonates on both an emotional and intellectual level. Highly recommended.<\/p>\n
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
\nafternoon screening on Sunday May 19 will begin at 2pm. Seats are limited.<\/p>\n
To book, visit trybooking.com.au or phone 5261 6111.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Death brings out the best and worst in families, a truism eloquently portrayed in Torquay Theatre Troupe\u2019s 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 […]<\/p>\n