Eight Gigabytes of Hardcore Pornography

This Perth Theatre Company co-production with Griffin Theatre Company plays on a stark set downstairs at the State Theatre Centre.

A man and a woman (never named) meet online through a dating website. Both have secrets, both lie to maintain an image and both have addictions. They are very different, yet very alike. Eight Gigabytes of Hardcore Pornography is about dating later in life, about creating a facade and ultimately about absolute raw honesty.

Sensitively directed by Lee Lewis, much of the success of this production lies in the excellent, open and brave performances she draws from Andrea Gibbs and Steve Rogers. Both inhabit their roles beautifully, work really well with each other and create a surprisingly sympathetic relationship with the audience. The (literal) naked rawness of the closing scene is both moving and honest.

Do not be deterred by the title. While eight gigabytes of hardcore pornography is an important element of the plot, it is not what Eight Gigabytes of Hardcore Pornography is about. While there is nudity, it is appropriate, not pornographic and unlikely to offend.

Eight Gigabytes of Hardcore Pornography is a thought provoking, intriguing and meaningful piece of theatre.

Kimberley Shaw