Momentum

WAAPA’s Second Year Acting Students have been exploring Moment Work. This self-devised production is a result of this study.

Thanks to a grant from the Minderoo Foundation, students were given the opportunity to work with American Andy Paris to explore Moment Work, which is a technique used for theatrical development and analysis. Created by Moises Kaufman, the process has been developed by the Tectonic Theatre Project (of which Andy Paris is a member), and used, perhaps most famously, to develop The Laramie Project.

Momentum is a series of wonderfully presented “moments”, tied together. Many of these moments, which might be described as vignettes, deal with identity and loss. There is a clear feeling of ownership, and many of these stories, creatively presented with movement, style and music, are obviously personal and heartfelt.

After a prologue, where the tone was set with style by Cameron Rouse, the show began with the traditional “We Begin”.

Particularly memorable moments include Teresa Moore’s beautifully crafted insight into her Aboriginality, accompanied by evocative movement, and William Bartolo’s story about a date with a very keen young lady, and his revelation about being gay.

Sam Corlett shared a story about the loss of his mother, a moment that drew the audience close, while James Thomasson also told of loss, in a bitter-sweet reminiscence about his grandfather, told with his grandfather’s image projected onto his chest. Lily Stewart shared her experience of anxiety and her long-distance relationship with her mother. Thomas Jackson movingly told about his experience hiding in a cupboard at boarding school, and his venture into rowing - the cast forming a rowing team.

There were lovely contrasts. Jarryd Dobson lead a mesmerising section with a glowing “bubble’. Mia Morrissey lent her beautiful voice, songs and guitar skills to many scenes. Kian Pitman’s skipping little girl, telling what we hear may be a harrowing story, brings hope to a darker section.

Jessie Lancaster’s trip to visit her grandfather was delightful story-telling, Michael Cameron and Adam Marks wove a wonderful tale of young travellers in Vietnam, and become audience favourites and James Rankin charmed the socks off the audience - his scene with his girlfriend’s Robert De Niro “played” mother (James Thomasson) was outstanding.

Mikayla Merks, Ellen Robson, Shannon Ryan and Luke Smith completed the cast - part of this strong ensemble.

Costuming was striking, initially in the form of long skirts on both boys and girls and what appears to be little else. Costuming racks set at the side, allowed for later changes. 

Lighting design, by Ellen Sergeant, was gritty and raw and included cast holding lights. Sound was strong, as designed by Alex Mitchell and cast-member Mikayla Merks’ projections were integral to the presentation.

It is wonderful to see WAAPA students embrace Moment Work, and to produce such a moving and fascinating piece of theatre. This class promises to be an exciting group of performers.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Jon Green.