‘An unengaged mind, is an empty mind.’
The world premier of Daniel Keene’s LOST: 5 provided insight into where the mind wanders when there is emptiness or hopelessness.
Illumi-Nation Theatre invites audiences to consider homelessness through five distinct monologues. The Rain, Two Shanks, Getting Shelter, A Foundling, and Kaddish share the voice of those who are lost. For me, LOST: 5 brought attention to the fact that one did not have to be physically homeless to feel lost. It was clear that hopelessness can come in many different forms.
The highlight of the evening was The Rain which told the story of a Polish woman who collected the belongings of World War Two victims who left their possessions on the platform of train stations. The story reminds me of people in my own life who fill their houses with belongings (also known as hoarders) thus making their houses uninhabitable. In The Rain, having too many things resulted in the ownership of nothing. Perhaps this is an echo of the consequences of consumerism?
The monologues were directed by Michele McNamara. Marty Rhone, Fleur Murphy, Kineisha Nottle, Stephanie Pick, and Pearce Hessling took a monologue each, bringing individual flare to their characters.
Throughout the whole performance I was intrigued by a lone male on the stage, sitting in what looked like a café. I was waiting for his monologue for the entire show. Turns out he’s Matt Brown (MBYRO) the composer and sound designer. I liked this concept — the designer operating from the action of the show. I too enjoyed the incorporation of city-scape audio throughout the show, making the audience feel like we were in the bustling streets of Melbourne.
LOST: 5 is the second-to-last performance of the 2017 Poppy Seed Festival. You can catch Tandem at Chapel Off Chapel on 28 November.
– Amber
Amber Bock is a freelance stage manager who is excited to keep you up to date with Melbourne’s best theatre.
LOST: 5 runs from 22 November– 3 December 2017 at Irene Mitchell Studios, 44 St. Martins Lane, South Yarra (75 mins, no interval).
The venue is accessible.
Disclosure: The Plus Ones were invited guests of Starling Communications.
Image credit: Poppy Seed Festival.
