The Eisteddfod

In the way that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, one shouldn’t judge Black Swan State Theatre Company’s production of Lally Katz’s The Eisteddfod from the poster. Released last year, the bright and funky poster picture does not reflect the starker look and darker feel of the production by Jeffrey Jay Fowler. This is black comedy, not a fantastical romp.

The story of orphaned siblings who live together, suffer from agoraphobia, and who are preparing for an eisteddfod - in which the first prize is a one-way trip to Moscow, is multi-layered and has multiple meanings. An interesting blend of imagination and raw realism, but it is difficult to discern which is which.
Actors Brendan Ewing and Natalie Holmwood work brilliantly together as the siblings who explore memories and feelings through re-enactments, in highly engaging performances.

Tyler Hill’s design of 'dirty realism’ - a strange collision of cardboard boxes and wardrobes, forming the ‘suburban room’ of the text - highlights the dysfunctional existence of the characters and adds to the grittiness of the production.

A show that asks more questions than it answers and requires absences to find their own meaning - it is not for everyone, but it is well performed has a clear vision and gives you much food for thought. Well worth a look for the discerning theatre-goer. Take some friends, because it is a show that you will certainly want to talk about afterwards.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Daniel James Grant