The Shifting Heart

Young director Rachel Vonk chose the important Australian play, The Shifting Heart, by Richard Benyon as her first full length production. A significant play, that won numerous awards in 1956 and 1957, it remains relevant to modern audiences and was warmly received in this incarnation by Darlington Theatre Players.

The curtain opened on an extremely well built set that added great detail to the story and presumably faithfully re-created a typical backyard in Collingwood in 1957. Solidly constructed from a design by Jimmy Earnshaw and George Boyd, it included excellent ring-of-truth detail including painted grass on the stage floor. Lighting was also top-notch.

Margery De Caux's costuming matched the high standard of the set, successfully recreating the time period and revealing elements of character.

There were some good performances. Poppa Bianchi was well played by Michael Hart who doubled as the play's lighting designer (and indeed was co-opted into the acting role from that position). Jacqui Warner was a convincing Mama Bianchi, who conveyed an extensive range of emotions believable and won the audience's sympathy.

Serena Filgueira who played the Bianchis' heavily pregnant married daughter made an impressive theatrical debut. This was a demanding role for a beginner and she handled it well.

The standout for me was Lee Thompson who played rough round the edges neighbour, Leila Pratt. This was a truly multi-layered performance, very truthfully played. Lee Thompson also brings much of the humour to what can be a very dark story, and has an excellent laconic delivery. She was nicely partnered with Richard Coleman as Donny Pratt.

The remaining cast were all working very hard and made valiant attempts but were either miscast or seemed uncomfortable in very challenging roles. All showed much potential.

This is a play often studied by schools, so I am surprised that a good quality production is not receiving better audiences. Rachel Vonk is a director to watch and her debut play leavers her audiences with plenty to think about. Great to see a good Aussie play with an excellent story, well told.

Kimberley Shaw