What happens you trap a seemingly random group of people in a room together and tell them they are all dead and awaiting a journey to heaven or hell? Do they accept their fate, question their religion, or does it cement their faith? Performed at Chapel off Chapel, Take A Seat attempts to answer these questions.
Written and directed by Kieran Gould-Dowen the play is performed by a local group, including some Melbourne talent. Kieran founded Thatcher’s Boy Theatre and creates work that challenges, entertains, and gives a voice on issues that need to be discussed.
Set in a courthouse waiting room, the two-hour-long play explores eleven Australian characters from all areas of life, including a dancer, a father and son, a Muslim, a soldier, a sociopath. The only thing they have in common is death and the impending unknown. The story explores many dark themes from today’s society that each of us can relate to in some way. Eating disorders, racism, homophobia, marriage, suicide, drugs, dementia and drink-driving are just a few of the areas explored during the show.
It’s a tense, thought-provoking performance, at times leaving the audience with an acute sense of discomfort and yet punctuated with just enough humour to leave you feeling a sense of happiness.
Minimal props are used in this performance which works to its advantage, leaving you to focus your attention on the strong acting. The performance is powerful, thought, sharp and unforgiving at times, making the audience cringe or even cry.
The final note though is one of harmony, one of love, forgiveness and a sense that our beliefs do not define us.
Emily
Emily Coupar is a passionate nurse, foodie and author and beginner yogi. You can follow her on Instagram and Facebook.
Take a Seat runs 30 August-3 September 2017, 7.30pm at Chapel Off Chapel. Purchase tickets now.
The venue is accessible.
Thatcher’s Boy Theatre run regular shows you can check upcoming events on their Facebook page.
Disclosure: The Plus Ones were invited guests of Kieran Gould-Dowen.
Image credit: Kieran Gould-Dowen.
