Review: In Bringing Felicity Castagna's Novel To The Parramatta Stage, THE INCREDIBLE HERE AND NOW Captures The Soul Of The Western Suburbs.

Friday 21st July 2017, 7:30pm, Lennox Theatre, Riverside Theatre Parramatta

The contemporary story of growing up in Parramatta gives the Western suburbs an overdue voice in Australian theatre with the premiere of Felicity Castagna's novel turned play, THE INCREDIBLE HERE AND NOW. Presented by Riverside Theatre's resident company, this work that has been on National Theatre of Parramatta's (NTofP) proposed show list since the company launched in 2015 and the wait was worth it. Fitting perfectly with NTofP's aims to 'put the nation on stage' to show the diversity of the region and how it has grown, this story captures both the region and realities of life in a multicultural society, which is different to the impression the media and the Eastern Suburbs have of the region whilst also reconfirming that regardless of where people live, life still has its challenges.

Under Jeneffa Soldatic and Wayne Harrison's direction, the story of teenage boys, fast cars, and a summer that changed a family plays out beneath large screens of images of Parramatta and its surrounds. Snippets of life, are told from 15 year old writer Michael's (Bardiya McKinnon) point of view featuring his family which consists of older brother Dom (Alex Cubis), their Mum (Caroline Brazier), grandfather Poppy (Sal Sharah), and Aunty Leena (Olivia Simone) until their world is permanently changed. In dealing with the tragedy that befalls the family, Michael finds comfort in his friendships, with best friend Shadi (Ryan Peters) and new girlfriend Monique (Libby Asciak) whilst growing and learning about life as he spend hot summer days at Parramatta public pool, on double dates at the McDonalds carpark and partaking in late night feeds at Granville Charcoal Chicken.

Set and Costume Designer Isabel Hudson has arranged the black box space of Lennox Theatre to have the audience peering in on the action from both sides of the centre stage that runs the length of the theatre, whilst also partly immersed as large screens are suspended above the banks of seating. One end of the stage is dominated by a blue Ford with white stripes sitting atop a black roadtop. Behind the car another large screen fills the wall. A multilevel scaffolding reminiscent of a diving board tower dominates the other end of the stage, complete with "Pool Closed" placards whilst the ground reaching from the car becomes astroturf. Movement of a tall counter top, park bench and the car bonnet, combined with the images projected on the screens, help to indicate the changes of locations throughout the 90 minute work.

As a contemporary Australian story, Soldatic and Harrison have ensured that the work conveys the voice of the younger generation through its expression of teenage behaviour whilst ensuring that the performances find the balance between reality and caricature to ensure humour whilst maintaining the realism required for the gravity of the story yet to come. With Michael as the storyteller, he is the most realistic of the characters, the rest distorted to varying degree by Michael's perception of them, from his larger than life cool big brother who he looks up to, the dorky eight grader Joe (Libby Asciak) who acts tough but is often found stuffed in a garbage bin, and Michael's boof-headed but caring best mate Shadi. The casting ensures that at least some of the diversity of the Western Surburbs is represented whilst keeping Michael's family as somewhat of a melting pot, reflective of the statement that his family is "from somewhere else a long time ago". The performances are solid and consistent. McKinnon's is convincing as the somewhat nerdy Michael who is consistently observing and writing, particularly as he tries to make sense of the changes to his world. Performers who take on multiple characters such as Olivia Simone, Sal Sharah and Libby Asciak ensure that each character is presented with distinct differences, made easier by the fact that two of the three roles that they cover are more minor parts. Peters is endearing as the friend trying to help Michael cope whilst Brazier captures the mother's depression and grief with a palpable sadness. Asciak's presents a strong female role model in her expression of Monique's growth whilst Simone's expression of Leena captures the aunt's desire to hang on to her youth.

Whilst centred on Parramatta the work still resonates with those that may not be as familiar with the area. This is a human story that is relatable regardless of where someone may live. Teenagers are inherently the same, worried about dating, having friends and dealing with family. People still experience love, grief, fear, anger and confusion even if their postcode is different. For those from the Western suburbs, it is nice to see their own 'backyard' on stage and on screen with the aid of Tristan Baker's drone video footage. For those not as familiar with the region, this work is a good opportunity to consider a different area undergoing change and most people would be able to see parallels between Parramatta's hot spots and their own suburbs.

A well paced production with a good balance of humour and though provoking moments that promotes taking time to appreciate where you are and being in the moment, not needing to race ahead and forget the present. As both an observation and an immersion theatre, particularly when Shadi breaks the fourth wall, this has a blend of motion and stillness to emphasise the emotion and inner thoughts that Michael is still yet to translate to text.

For everyone that has been a teenager, for those that have children, families and friends, this work speaks to a broad audience, not just those that live in the Western suburbs. Presented with humour and compassion, THE INCREDIBLE HERE AND NOW is a wonderful new Australian play telling Australian stories that everyone should see and hopefully it will return to an Australian stage soon.

THE INCREDIBLE HERE AND NOW

13-22 July 2017

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