Zoe

Zoe
By Jean Gordon. King Street Theatre, Newtown (NSW). September 18 – 24, 2012.

Zoe, a short, concise drama, is a tightly woven exploration of loss and its after effects. Main character, Emma, is newly divorced and has lost her husband and the possibility of a child with him. In addition, her mother maintains a relationship with the ex which adds to her distress.

Emma was a sad, drab character clad in dull brown and her confusion and anger were honestly portrayed by Sarah Kate Mitchell. Will Harrison Smith as her best friend, Chris, showed humour and warmth and their realistic relationship was a highlight of the play.

Emma’s fixation with alternative life-styler Zoe was well explained through a series of dialogues between the main characters. The use of circus arts was neatly entwined into the theme of the play and added interest and a quirky symbolism.

Zoe was a good effort from writer Jean Gordon. Although short, it was a well written piece which neatly paralleled Emma’s dilemma and her own mother- daughter relationship. It was a remarkably accurate portrayal of suburban life and loss.

Leann Richards

Photographer: Ingrid Lenert

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