Triangle

Like an old haunting fairytale, Triangle seduces with the familiar, then commences a journey traversing the realms of passion, violence and the supernatural in a perfectly unexpected yet strangely anticipated manner.   

It is set in and around a supermarket like Tuesday, another terrific work presented by MKA in June.  However, unlike its predecessor, Triangle veers into fanciful, lyrical subliminal territory.

It commences with the student (Elizabeth Nabbin) addressing the audience about her response to and experiences at Piedemonte’s supermarket in Fitzroy. Then disconcertingly and without warning realities start to shift from the mention of eating unprepared couscous.  Similarly the situation of a young wife and mother (Janine Watson), presented in a rational - factual manner, slightly slips a cog and becomes hilariously and outrageously funny from the suggestion of the affects of caffeine on a toddler.

Triangle has been refined through input from an inspired and inspiring team.  There is hardly a hair out of place.  Sound (Russell Goldsmith and Chris Wenn) underpins the atmosphere and light (Rob Sowinski) mostly elucidates but some times endows the whole with a sense of question.  Set by Eugyeene Teh and costumes by Chloe Greaves define and enhance from a ‘less is more’ perspective.

Both actors are exemplary in their roles.  Their work, although subtle, is clear, forthright and strong.  Some actions, sudden changes and dialogue, that appear to be wholly embraced by the actors, make no immediate sense, and yet, are oddly just so right. 

The direction by Tanya Dickson displays foresight and immaculate attention to detail.

Engrossed by the hilarious weirdness of it all, I looked at my watch, craving more – not wanting it to end, knowing the short fifty minutes must almost be up.  How often can one say that about theatre? 

I wanted to be wowed by Triangle and, so was. 

Go and see this innovative yet grounded production from fascinating pen of writer Glyn Roberts, but not, if you prefer the unshakable comfort of the literal. 

It is the type of art that highlights and questions through collapsing preconceptions.

Suzanne Sandow