I Sat and Waited But you Were Gone too Long. The Grief Trilogy: Part One

This first of three instalments of The Grief Trilogy sets a sombre and intense tone for these plays. These are dark themes which are treated with unapologetic directness and honesty. The expectation is, therefore, that the experience will not be easy. The production, in fact, depicts some very difficult and raw emotions. Some moments in the play will test the audience and their willingness, or even their ability, to ponder the recesses of the mind.

The chemistry between Emily Tomlins (Evie) and Canella Macri (Ellen) is truly electric. Their presence in the same space immediately invites curiosity. The performance is particularly focused on ritual and the way in which it helps to manage trauma. This is beautifully studied via Ellen’s character and the meticulous way she deals with her visit to the pool. Tomlins uses facial expression to convey her trauma without the need for her to even utter a word; it is so clearly written on her face that the anguish becomes somewhat infectious and builds a palpable atmosphere in the auditorium.

The two characters find that they unintentionally and gradually push each other to the brink of their respective despair. However, this creates a bond between the two characters which has a healing quality. The encounter between the two women is random, yet profound and this is reflected in some of the more absurd and chaotic action in the play. Here the text ventures into some very original and thought-provoking territory. This is achieved through the depiction of compulsive or repetitive behaviour which is far less comforting, and the lighting and stage design is expertly deployed on these occasions. 

The sense of the arbitrary is echoed in the totally unpredictable nature of such encounters. The difficult events show that such encounters can be truly meaningful, perhaps more meaningful than the daily exchanges with the people closest to us. This is a text that relies heavily on the strength of the performers and their ability to recreate a genuinely sensitive rapport. This production excels primarily because of the enormous success of the performers in capturing such ephemeral and delicate exchanges.

Patricia Di Risio 

Photographer: Darren Gill