Review: ATLANTIS Insightfully Brings Back the New Age at Kings Cross Theatre Bakehouse

What's not to relate to in a story of two young rebels who've made one mistake too many and seek refuge in new age philosophy? In this story of the search for redemption, connection beyond ego and not taking life too seriously, subtlenuance's Atlantis manages to hit some genuine contemporary themes in amongst a humorous and choppy script written by Paul Gilchrist. On the run from a tricky scenario involving drugs and a failed acting career, Sarah and Tom seek refuge with Sarah's aunt Zelda who runs a metaphysical store in Byron Bay. Zelda is a bit kooky, and her mystical delusions will test the young lovers' relationship and ability to resolve their past.

Playing the young couple, Madeleine Withington and Antony Talia hold more gravitas individually than chemistry as a couple, though this works with the circumstances surrounding the plot. Withington makes for a spot-on cynic, driving much of the dynamism in the play. Talia on the other hand takes the reigns of much of the depth, his defensive-yet-sensitive Aussie male a wonderful role model for contemporary masculinity. Reflecting around, and between them, Sylvia Keays pulls of the spacy hippie heir to the Atlantis throne wonderfully, holding much presence throughout as a solid performer, her monologues coming off as very organic. Under the direction of Kit Bennett, the trio make good use of a budget production, making a quintessential Fringe serving at the Kings Cross Theatre.

subtlenuance's work continues to draw out and thread together entertaining and authentic Australian tales, and providing interesting roles to emerging artists in the Sydney scene.