Fairfax Theatre, Arts Centre May 20-29.
Review, Martin Ball
THEATRICAL props come in many shapes, but surely few are as intriguing as Mark Cuthbertson’s inflatable sea urchin. This curious object, symbolising a creature designed by nature to destroy intruders, is the eponymous inspiration for Urchin, the inaugural production by new company Encyclopaedia of Animals.
Urchin takes as its point of departure the idea that ”fear” lurks within us. Creators Christopher Brown and Rhian Hinkley explore the powerful motivations fear inspires through a series of increasingly bizarre scenarios. The piece meanders at times and never really arrives at a particular conclusion, but the dramatic journey results in stunning theatre.
Central to its success are the performances. David Tredinnick and Christopher Brown deftly build a texture of ironic commentary on desire, but it is Merfyn Owen who really shines, displaying virtuosic control of his oral delivery. From his initial snake oil spiel to his final embodiment as a Latin-singing shamanistic pastor, Owen is thoroughly mesmerising. Jethro Woodward’s intelligent soundscape complements with suave melodies and savage noises.
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