Minus One Sister
SALT. is an independent theatre collective which aims to perform “explosive writing” in work that is “gripping, divisive and unsympathetic. SALT. delivers their promise in this debut production. Minus One Sister is a fascinating production, with an intriguing plot that is both compelling and controversial.
Anna Barnes’ Minus One Sister won the 2013 Patrick White Playwrights Award. It is clever, precise and razor-edge writing, but the plot is deliberately layered, confusing and contradictory as if in defiance of the precision of the dialogue. This is definitely a show that you want to discuss over a coffee or a bottle of wine post-show.
A story of siblings, of family violence, of abuse but also survival, it is intriguing and rewarding theatre.
Riley Spadaro, director and co-producer (with Emily Stokoe), has a clear passion for the work, and has led a strong team, including Kaitlin Brindley and Kelly Fregon - who have designed a very mesmeric set, impressive in its scope given the rapid bump times of fringe theatre. Phoebe Pilcher’s lighting design is striking and effective and Alex Turley’s composition and sound design is both organic and edgy.
The four actors are amazing. Phoebe Sullivan is Iphigenia, the missing sister, missing but omnipresent, Sullivan is excellent in this almost silent performance - and her movement, under the direction of Jessica Russell is unnerving. Skye Beker is extremely impressive as ‘smart sister’ Chrysothemis, Stephanie Somerville gives a gripping performance as the unravelling Electra and Isaac Diamond is absorbing as little brother Orestes. Outstanding teamwork from the small ensemble and a wonderful sense of shared experience.
SALT. has staged an amazing first production. I look forward to future work from this collective.
Kimberley Shaw
Images: Marshall Arts.
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