THE BLOK!

The Master (Carly Sheppard) has been chosen to save the Universe including Earth from destruction through the production of an artwork. At first, The Master revels in the task, but the reality of the pressure leads to an artist’s block and attempts to produce the needed work consumes the rest of the play. Carly Sheppard takes this surreal proposition and wrestles it into an engaging, humorous, and challenging event.

The issues raised point to the real possibility of the destruction of humankind’s tenure on Earth and gesture towards some solutions. The play is full of current cultural references, cheeky takedowns and allegory and metaphor enhance the already rich text. Evocative movement and rituals fill out the wonderfully poetic script. Live music supports and bolsters every moment of the action.

The tone is well judged and alternates between hilariously funny and utterly serious. Carly Sheppard’s energy and mastery of her art is utterly beguiling and carries most of the play. Alexis West appears as God/god towards the end of the play and religious questions are faced. The final outcome is satisfyingly unclear.

The staging, with lots of items strewn across the stage is initially confusing, but each area becomes the focus of a step on The Master’s journey. The central circle at the front of the stages was used very effectively as a sacred space enhanced with sensitive lighting.

This play avoids the angry issue approach to threatening cataclysms and opens up a safe space for the audience to consider their actions in the future. Oh, and if a Master needs to be identified to save the world, Carly Sheppard should be on the list.

Ruth Richter

Photographer: Jacinta Keefe