HIGH EYEBROW ARCH – ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Drama
The stage lights come up. Five characters, in various forms of active wear, are lying on the floor of a multi-purpose community centre. One-by-one they call out a number as the group, collectively, counts to ten. When two characters speak over each other, everybody giggles. The stage lights go out.
The stage lights come up again. A tall man is standing, facing the audience. The other characters sit in a semi-circle in front of him. He looks uncomfortable as he recites an origin story. Only slowly does it emerge, though, that the origin story is his wife’s, rather than his. The stage is enveloped in darkness once more.
And so, Circle Mirror Transformation slowly unfolds. It’s a story which takes its time. It’s in no rush.
Soon enough, however, we learn that we’re in small-town Vermont. Free-spirited Marty (Rebecca Gibney) is running an acting class for adults. Her husband, James (Cameron Daddo), is one of the participants. They’re joined by comely former actress Theresa (Jessie Lawrence), recently divorced carpenter, Shultz (Nicholas Brown) and shy high school student, Lauren (Ahunim Abebe).
As the acting classes play out over a six-week period, truths are slowly revealed. Truths about how the characters relate to each other in the present. Truths about the scars they still carry from their pasts. And the kind of truths which, when revealed, can change the direction of one’s life for the worse.
Photo Credit – STC
Performances
I was somewhat sceptical about a play with Rebecca Gibney and Cameron Daddo in significant roles. Having seen them in lighter entertainment in the 80’s and 90’s, I was uncertain what their acting would bring to this production.
I was wrong.
And I owe them each an apology for doubting the depth of their acting ability.
Gibney, in particular, was transcendent in the role of class leader, Marty. Her timing was impeccable and there was something about her eyes which I found captivating. They truly were the window to her emotional soul.
But this was an ensemble piece. Each of the five actors delivered strong performances to drive this intriguing story forward.
Photo Credit – STC
What My Eyebrows Told Me
My eyebrows were fixed in a Caterpillar Arch as the story began it’s slow and steady journey forward. By the time the intrigue fully played out, however, they had graduated to a High Arch.
Photo Credit – STC
For more information about The Circle Mirror Transformation:
Leave a comment