From Darkness

Spiritualists and scientists have long spoken of the interconnectedness of all things. It’s one of the biggest philosophical concepts one can tackle. Steven Oliver’s From Darkness handles the subject with intelligence, humour and sensitivity. The writing is undeniably excellent. It’s clever yet accessible, heartfelt without being cloying.

From Darkness explores one family’s journey through the pain of losing a son to suicide. Everyone is desperate to connect, belong and feel loved, yet this aching rift separates them. Over the course of a family dinner on the anniversary of the death, they direct their frustration, hurt and anger at one another. Naturally, being the work of Steven Oliver, it’s not all doom and sadness. The script is packed full of hilarious jokes and one-liners, most of which are wonderfully delivered by Roxanne McDonald as Nanna Lou. The flow between sarcastic stirs, loving family moments and screaming matches seems very familiar and realistic for anyone who may have experienced a tumultuous family event or two of their own.

Helping to heal the family is teenage son Preston, played by Benjin Maza. He’s being visited by Aboriginal spirit figures that are beautifully represented in film and animation on a curved scrim at the back of the set. Akira (Ebony McGuire) is also deeply connected to spirit, with the ghosts of her ancestors regularly appearing to her. “If we don’t fix our own connectedness in this world, it disrupts all that goes beyond,” Preston philosophises at the dénouement. That’s the major crux of Oliver’s assertion in this play, which highlights the importance of communicating in an open, loving and supportive manner, but also of being connected to the physical and the spiritual world.

Director Isaac Drandic has gotten some great work out of the cast. The acting work is of a very high standard. Stand-out performances are delivered by Roxanne McDonald, who plays the sassy, vivacious Nanna with gusto, and Colin Smith as father Eric. When Eric reveals why he hasn’t had much to say since the suicide of his son, his speech is so heartbreaking you’d be made of stone not to be moved by the palpable sadness and regret. Benjin Maza as Preston has a lovely stage presence and a real talent for physical interpretation. Ebony McGuire as Akira brings a suitable level of awkwardness and rebellion to her role. Lisa Maza plays mother Abigail with a lot of realism and captures the disconnection between herself and her family very well.

Kevin O’Brien’s set design cleverly places Preston’s bedroom on a platform at the back of the stage, hugged by the scrim. Down a few stairs he’s created a very familiar looking kitchen and dining space that immediately tells you Abigail is house proud and likes things to be tidy. Keith Deverell’s film and animation that’s on screen as Preston is communing with the spirits is excellent. Guy Webster’s sound design is especially effective in building the mood during the moments when the spirit world contacts the family. Through the entire play, Ben Hughes’ lighting choices further enhance the mood and emotion while keeping the audience’s attention on the right point of focus.

This is a highly engaging and entertaining piece of theatre with a distinctly Australian sense of humour. From Darkness will make you laugh, cry and consider your own connections with those you love and the universe around you.

Kiesten McCauley

Photos: Stephen Henry