Eden

Siren Theatre Company is based in Sydney. Established in 1997, one of its objectives is to commission and produce new Australian plays. At its helm as artistic director is the talented and experienced writer, director and producer, Kate Gaul. Gaul’s world premiere Eden is a coming-of-age story, but one that is shaped by death, familiarity, love and fractured families.

What begins as an idyllic portrait of small-town Tasmania, where life hums along with familiar rhythms, delves deeper with our two teenage protagonists at the helm. Kit and Dan are brought to life with a playful innocence by Karrine Kanaan and Lara Lightfoot. The script reads like poetry. The intimate performance space is adorned with two long stools, with the audience seated in two rows either side. Through a fine and delicately crafted script, we imagine the girl’s surroundings as they run through the familiar streets of their country town. Much of the dialogue is directed at the audience with such enthusiasm; it’s infectious.

As the story progresses, we are introduced to the girls' families and locals. Both Kanaan and Lightfoot navigate multiple roles successfully, using subtle shifts in voice and physicality to distinguish between characters. The local copper, pizza maker, bus driver, town bullies, and physical education teacher are just some of the personalities we meet along the way. Under the guidance of vocal coach Rosalind Nugent, each character is vocally distinct and well rounded.

Both girls are experiencing unsatisfactory home lives and find solace in each-other and their playful existence. Through this domestic conflict, a tender connection develops between the two and we get the first inkling of a deeper bond. The local river becomes a symbol of both freedom and danger, a staple in the girl’s daily lives, but this allure is undercut when the current washes up a body tangled in barbed wire.

Kanaan and Lightfoot give confident performances, without losing that innocence of youth. Gaul’s script is evocative and rich with emotional nuance. Direction is tight, with tender moments captured through long pauses. Technical design was strong, with a thoughtful soundtrack that added atmosphere.

Kit and Dan contemplate an existence beyond the confines of their small town. Excited by the prospect they vow to never return as they run giddily to the bus stop. As the performance ended, I found myself wanting more. I was invested in the story and the outcomes of our main characters. The play introduces intriguing ideas, though they are not always considered with the depth they deserve. This can be easily explored.

You cannot fault the performances of Kanaan and Lightfoot. Their chemistry is undeniable. This is a well-rehearsed production. With only a short season ahead, I recommend adding this to your calendar.

Kerry Cooper

Photographer: Natalia Ladyko

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