York

Black Swan State Theatre Company's production of York has been over two years in the making - and was well worth the wait. A striking and compelling production, it is an unusual compilation of genres - the most dominant being horror - and I have it on reliable authority that multiple audience members from Opening Night are reporting nightmares,

The trouble with writing about York is that it sounds like it won’t work. On the surface it appears to be a collection of much used tropes. A likeable city couple move into a country home and we discover that it has been on the market for some time, as the locals are wary and believe it to be haunted. Throw in a haunted former hospital, a frightening nurse, kids away at camp, a psychic neighbour and hauntings related from a colonial atrocity - it sounds kind of hokey and cliched. It is nothing of the kind.

York throws time weary tropes on their head and twists them. The couple escaping the city are a biracial lesbian couple, one of whom is a lawyer defending a young aboriginal boy. She returns to the city, leaving her partner alone - and from there we explore the reasons that this place is ‘haunted’ - covering four time periods - and four interrelated stories - told with genuine feeling and respect. There are still what would in film be called ‘jump scares’ and there are many moments of humour, but at its heart York is great storytelling with Nyungar and non-indigenous stories woven together beautifully.

A beautifully evocative design by Zoë Atkinson, gave the production a beautiful organic feel, complemented by strong lighting design from Lucy Birkinshaw and emotive (and occasionally funny) composition and sound design from Dr Clint Bracknell.

Excellent performances throughout from an ensemble cast, all playing multiple roles - with some clever and thoughtful doubling choices. Face of the production, Shakira Clayton led the cast with beautifully drawn performances as Emma, Irene and Iris. She worked beautifully with all of the cast - especially scenes with Alison van Reeken - playing Rosy and Matron Roslyn Bell - two expertly crafted characters. Jo Morris brought wonderful energy to all her roles - and was often a much needed breath of fresh air - lovely as Shauna, Sharon Potts and Nurse Siân Lang. Maitland Schnaars played multiple roles - with his portrayal of father Kenneth and his leading of a narrative section, especially strong.

Benjamin and Jacob Narkle share the roles of the youngest characters, Lewis and Lucas. Benjamin performed opening night, and while he is no newcomer, this young actor delivered a strong performance that would be a credit to a veteran performer - a very promising young actor.

The cast is completed with strong supporting performances from Isaac Diamond, Ben Mortley, Sophie Quin and Elise Wilson.

York is a production that leaves you thinking. A wonderful exploration of time and place, perception and reality, this is a fascinating and worthy new work that has potent resonance. Well worth a look.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer:  Phillip Gostelow