Review: WHICH WAY HOME at Subiaco Arts Centre
Father-daughter road trip tugs gently at heartstrings and funny bones
WHICH WAY HOME, currently playing at the Subiaco Arts Centre, is a beautiful, deeply moving piece of theatre that radiates authenticity and emotional truth. Infused with warmth and a wonderful balance of humour and heart, this production from Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company celebrates belonging, memory, and the bond between a father and daughter.
Written by Katie Beckett and drawing on her own childhood memories, the play follows Tash and her Dad as they embark on a road trip from the city back to their traditional country. Along the way, we are treated to a series of memories exploring the loss of Tash’s mother at an early age, key childhood moments, and Dad’s (occasionally misplaced) desire to protect his daughter.
The production is anchored by the Nannup family, and the two lead characters possess a natural chemistry that shines through every moment of the performance. Derek Nannup delivers a powerhouse performance as Dad, bringing extraordinary mischief, playfulness, and impeccable comedic timing to the role. Shaquita Nannup is equally captivating as Tash, bringing a grounded, natural presence to the stage. Their real-life father-daughter connection translates effortlessly, giving the performance a rare, tender authenticity that resonates deeply with the audience.
The staging, designed by Charlotte Meagher, captures the mood of a long road trip with an air of hectic untidiness, with a house’s worth of belongings jammed into a car hitting with a familiar sense of belongings and memories at risk of tumbling out. Whilst the lack of actual car misses out on the road trip dynamic and fails to properly contain the mess, this is offset somewhat by the chalk drawings at the sides of the stage, which glow under Joelene Whibley's exquisite lighting. The drawings bring depth to the setting as it shifts from city to bush, whilst keeping the sense of Tash’s journey through life.
Clocking in at a brisk 50 minutes without an interval, it's a tight, highly engaging piece of storytelling that never outstays its welcome. WHICH WAY HOME is warm, funny, and powerfully human—a road trip rich in laughter, love, and longing that stays with you long after the lights fade.
WHICH WAY HOME is at Subiaco Arts Centre until May 9. Tickets and more info from Perth Arts and Culture Trust.
Photo credit- Dana Weeks
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