Jane Bodie‘s A Single Act follows the breakdown of two relationships, each told in opposing chronological order. We meet the two couples on the day a terrorist attack hits their city, Scott and Michelle meet just before it, Neil and Clea are relieved to find each 
other safe just after. Bodie masterfully alternates each couple’s scenes but with one running forward and one running backwards in time. Neil and Clea are dealing with the devastating emotional impact of being in the middle of a city hit by terrorism. Neil develops a ‘shell-shock’ type syndrome. Becoming more obsessed with the victims and the horror, slowly loosing touch with his relationship. Clea can’t get through to him and he rapidly implodes. Scott and Michelle meet just as the incident happen and what starts out as a beautiful spontaneous meeting evolves into a dangerously abusive relationship.
There is a clarity and sophistication in the writing, outlining the emotional trauma but not overwriting the emotional journey, allowing the performers to find within, the turmoil. It’s a sophisticated script and this highlighted the production’s weak spot. Most of the cast gave a good performance but were not quite able to find the full emotional depth of their characters. Chemistry was lacking between the couples which did not assist the emotional impact. For me the standout performance was Georgia Nicholas [Michelle]. She found vulnerability that was fragile but gave the glimmer of a woman that can find her way out.
I enjoyed the production but the emotional devastation was not real enough to hit me in the stomach and that is what this play can do. It’s a solid production from a young team of actors who will all grow with more stage time. New performers in a brand new performance space. That is something to celebrate in Sydney.
Lynden Jones – Theatre Now
A Single Act
Jane Bodie
12 – 21 July 2018
Wed – Sat 7:30pm / Sun 5pm
Venue: Chippen Street Theatre
Theatre Company: Pale Blue Dot Creative
Duration: N/A
A Single Act follows the relationships between two couples, Scott and Michelle and Neil and Clea, after a devastating terrorist attack in the city where they live.
At the beginning of the play, Neil and Clea return home separately, overjoyed to find each other alive. The narrative then jumps a year on and we see the final stages of Scott and Michelle’s relationship which had begun on the day of the attack.
Ticket Prices
Adult $30
Concession $25
