Elanora Players’ Things I Know to Be True opens Friday, 7 July and promises to make Sydney reflect on life and the challenges we all face to make it through.
I love community theatre. Growing up, my mum used to take me to the local productions in Toowoomba, and as I entered high school, I started to get involved too. While I usually cover professional production in Sydney, I was delighted to be invited to Narrabeen to experience grassroots theatre.
Things I Know to Be True, written by Andrew Bovell, depicts the Price Family’s trials and transformations. Bob and Fran are just two Australian parents of four children with a seemingly regular family. Through personal monologues, we learn that each family member is struggling with their own experience. Fran (Vicki Castorina) wonders if her life has been a waste while Bob (James Belfrage) contemplates his next steps. Their children Mia (Paul Sheldon), Pip (Barbara Hansen), Ben (Matthew Price) and Rosie (Zale Siljic) all grapple with self-discovery, poor choices and strained relationships. The play explores themes of identity, forgiveness, and the complexities of familial bonds. The challenges faced by the characters, particularly Bob and Fran, provide glimpses of universal struggles and evoke a sense of empathy.
In this production, the static set effortlessly portrays a South Australian backyard with simple touches that allow the cast to move from the house to the yard. There is a familiarity to the scenes as Bob’s immaculately kept garden moves through the show’s meteorological and thematic seasons. The cast members work diligently to bring their characters to life and demonstrate a commendable commitment and effort. They moments of emotional authenticity that invite the audience to connect with the story on a fundamental level.
The structure of the play, while fragmented at times, does allow for the exploration of various issues faced by the family members. While it may not create a seamless and cohesive narrative, it does provide opportunities for us to reflect on different aspects of family dynamics and personal growth. The portrayal of Mia’s identity, while not explored in great depth, attempts to address a complex topic, which, unfortunately, the imperfect script doesn’t allow Paul Sheldon to perform credibly. Another downside of the script is that we don’t see enough of Pip, brilliantly portrayed by Barbara Hansen.
Things I Know to Be True offers moments of engagement and reflection. I applaud the production team and cast, who have clearly made efforts to deliver a meaningful theatrical experience. With its relatable themes and the actors’ commitment, this production captures the heart of a struggling Australian family.
– The other Daniel Craig
Daniel Craig is an international performer and has established himself as a trusted theatre specialist on the Sydney Arts Scene. While he understands the technical side of theatre, Dan writes for the everyday theatregoer (unlike some of those more prominent publications). When not in the audience, he loves to travel the world trying new gin. Follow him on all the socials @talldancraig
Things I Know to Be True runs for 2 hours 30 mins (with 20 min interval) and plays at North Narrabeen Community Centre through 15 July 2023. Tickets are available through Ticketebo.
Disclosure: The Plus Ones were guests of Elanora Players.
Image credit: Alison Akhurst.
