De Stroyed

Jillian Murray and Suzanne Chaundy have created a beautifully refined work based on their personal responses to some of the acute realizations of Simone de Beauvoir as expressed through her writing.  The themes seem, most pertinently, about the deep pain of betrayal in a marriage and some shifts in sense of personal power and vulnerability experienced through aging.   

Video Artist Zoe Scoglio and Composer Christopher de Groot sensitively and expertly support Murray’s delivery of the text.  Through video, Murray’s face is penetratingly examined again and again.  This metaphorically mirrors the way Beauvoir examined her own thoughts, emotions and understandings. 

De Stroyed is staged as a static work dependent on the beautifully modulated and very clear vocal skills of Murray and the projected images on the simple white screens that surround her.  These could be viewed as the empty white pages of a book.

De Stroyed will probably be best appreciated by audiences who have some knowledge of Beauvoir, arguably one of the most brilliant philosophers of the 20^th century.  However my plus one thoroughly enjoyed this production as a tantalizing introduction to her writing and is now very keen to read more.

At the very least this engrossing work pays rich homage to Simone de Beauvoir and her life examined.  It offers devotees of, and those interested in, this extraordinary woman, a very fine opportunity to reflect on some of her profound and illuminating insights.

Suzanne Sandow

Photographer: Jodie Hutchinson.

Credits

Director/Co-creator – Suzanne Chaundy

Performer/Co-creator – Jillian Murray

Video Artist – Zoe Scoglio

Composer – Christopher de Groot

Production Manager/Lighting Designer – Andy Turner

Stage Manager – Lachlan O’Connor

AV Technician – Andre Vanderwert