The Nightwatchman

The Nightwatchman is by Australian playwright  Daniel Keene, but is set in Bourgogne, France in the late 1990s. Originally commissioned by La Compagnie des Docks, Boulogne-sur-Mer, France, Melville Theatre Company’s production is the third time this play has been performed in Australia.

A play with strong poetic overtones, the themes are universal as the blind and elderly William leaves his family chateau, for a nursing home, ”to begin another life…more brief than the first”.  It shows William’s response to this as well as the guilt, nostalgia and responsibility faced by his children.

A strong central performance from Alan Kennedy as William, a very moving and convincing portrayal of a man who has lost his sight and is losing his memory, capturing the poetry of this piece very nicely. Andrea O’Donnell is strong as daughter Helen, showing internal conflict in a well-crafted performance. Garry Davies completes the trio, establishing convincing familial relationships, as son Michael.

The set, constructed by Peter Bloor, Ross Bertinshaw, Jacob Jensen and Kit Leake, with scenic artistry by Tim Prosser, gives us the exterior and patio of a French chateau, with hints of a much loved, but now run-down garden. The play is set at dusk, with hints of night to follow, which is established by the lighting design from Jacob and Lars Jensen

Grace King and Blind Citizens Australia gave assistance to the director and cast about blindness and supporting people without sight. Raffle proceeds from The Nightwatchman will be donated to Blind Citizens WA, a peer led support organisation, so I would encourage audience members to support this initiative.

This is a moving and thoughtful play, with some lovely performances, but it is a demanding viewing experience, a hard slog if you are tired or under-the-weather. Worth a look for the keen theatregoer.

Kimberley Shaw