Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu
By Sue Smith. State Theatre Company of South Australia. Dustan Playhouse. 13 April – 1 May, 2016

Machu Picchu is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World; a man-made sculpture that has stood the test of time, predominantly because of its impenetrable foundations.

Sue Smith has written a story about love; the love we must find for ourselves when faced with unmentionable tragedy. Faced with her own mortality in 2014, she sought out wise people during her experience. This helped her find the courage needed to survive and we are privileged to witness this raw piece of theatre as a result.

Paul and Gabby are your typical high achieving engineers, who have spent 20 years self-absorbed by careers and success. Too busy to follow their dream of visiting ancient Peru among other things, they are snapped back to reality after a life altering car crash in which Gabby walks away unscathed, but Paul is left paralysed. So begins a myriad of emotions expressed with honesty, as Paul, Gabby, their daughter Lucy and close friends Kim and Marty weave their way through memories, expectations, hope and ultimately courage.

Immensely talented, Lisa McCune immerses herself in the difficult role of Gabby. McCune is excellent as a woman torn between her love for Paul and her altering life plan. McCune’s portrayal taps into raw emotion that is sometimes selfish, but always sincere. The text lends itself to honest and at times blunt responses to inconceivable circumstances.

The profound chemistry between McCune and Darren Gilshenan, who plays Paul, allows the audience to become invested in their journey. Gilshenan is loveable, caring, and neurotic as Paul, who handles his injuries with a bravery and humour that makes one wonder how Gabby could even contemplate a life without him.

Don’t be fooled into thinking this production is full of depressing outcomes. An intelligent script and talented cast have you laughing with their quirky characterisations; none more so than Kim, played by Elena Carapetis. Her highly-strung portrayal is a delight, as is Renato Musolino in his role as stuttering psychotherapist Lou. There are many cameos that manifest themselves out of Paul’s medicated mind, including an unexpected return to the stage of Elvis.

Director Geordie Brookman has exposed a sometimes gentle and other times confronting prose; it is impossible to not observe this story without questioning your own mortality and the possibility that life as we know it could change tomorrow. Telling the story through a variety of vignettes depicting life before the accident gives the characters depth and highlights the personality changes that happen after the tragic event.

Actors roam a stark set painted white and mint green; a clinical feel, that allows the players to shine through sublime text. Wonderfully emotive lighting by Nigel Levings is well thought through, as are the stunning animations by Morgan Read in act two.

Here we witness everyday anxieties and human emotion wonderfully portrayed collectively, allowing no room for melodramatic interpretations. In a world where achievements have come to measure self-worth, it is refreshing to be witness to a story that evokes our basic humanity.

Kerry Cooper

Photographer: Brett Boardman.

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