IPHIGENIA IN SPLOTT – a rare chance to see a one woman 5-star performance of high stamina acting on topics in a script that is confronting, gut-wrenching (literally) and thought-provoking to the point you will think twice next time you see a similar character on the street.
We walk into a stage with a mechanical roof we’ve read about in the foyer with a few homely pieces in a bare room; a table, a chair, a picture. “Effie” is in the corner as we take our seats. She is on her phone eyeing us off, unafraid that we are about to see her emotionally charged life in front of us for the next hour and a half (no interval). Little do we know what we’re in for! Little do we know of real people like Effie that we see in our everyday life; feeling trapped and alone in their circumstances. Is their situation caused from just a lot of bad choices? What’s their real story?
The theatre is cosy (80 seats), so you will see up close and personal all of the skills of Jessica Clarke. She has played this role before whereupon she won Most Outstanding Performance (Theatre Companies) Green Room Awards 2021, amongst a long list of other successful experiences in stage, screen and voice. There is no questioning Jessica is comfortable in this role and her ability to make us uncomfortable.
Wherever you are seated, you will feel like Effie is talking directly to you. Not only in her own character, but in other characters Jessica portrays through the eyes of Effie. Throughout she has them all ‘down-pat’; her Nan, her friend, her boyfriend, etc. etc. I’d love to know how long she originally rehearsed and practiced this play to remember so many lines for so many different individuals – 90 minutes straight – no break and just a few sips of a half-empty bottle at times. Yes, Effie is ‘drunk’ quite a bit, but not always and I don’t think it’s actual liquor Jessica is drinking (haha), just sheer talent getting her through and keeping us glued to every wayward word.
Jessica playing Effie will show you crazy-good ‘crazy’ acting, but also exciting moments of love, hopeful vulnerability and torture in decision-making. Effie is an extreme story-teller and she won’t be leaving any details out.
Quite a few laughs early in the piece if you’re accepting of strong language, in-your-face sexual innuendo and violent outbursts. This production however is much more about society’s serious issues as seen from those in the world that are mostly unseen or ignored. Effie is one of them.
Glimmers of hope in Effie’s life have been few, but she does remember some and one night in particular will change her perception, perhaps forever.
My favourite scene was the fun and funky moves on the dancefloor to impress a guy she saw across the bar, and then her forming a mental image of their wedding. Everyone does that at some time in their life, imagines being with a person they’ve just met for their future, dreaming up a romance of the century and having the fairytale ending. Could Effie be that lucky?
It’s gripping watching…
At the end you might ask yourself: “Do you think that same final scenario would be a likely outcome if Effie were real and living on the street near you?” – My legal background for more than a decade tells me probably not, but then that makes for good conversations post-show and it certainly makes the message of the show no less significant, because these are no trivial subjects. The power to make a difference is actually within everyone. The choices we make to use that power when given it can change your life and/or others.
Cautionary notes: This is a very deep and intense viewing, exploring matters that may be upsetting and/or cause distress to some; including a focus on the loss of a baby and reference to animal cruelty. This show is recommended ages 15+ however I personally would not take anyone under age 18 to this show unless they are studying drama and have a sense of the work within its scope prior to attending.
CAST: Jessica Clarke
CREATIVES: Gary Abrahams – Director, Jacob Battista & Sophie Woodward – Set/Costume Design, Rachel Burke – Lighting Design, Daniel Nixon – Composition/Sound Design, Spencer Herd – Lighting Technician, Matt Furlani – Dialect Coach, Charlie D. – Production Manager, Natasha Marich – Stage Manager, Dough Lyon & Conor Misson – Stage Mechanists.
‘IPHIGENIA IN SPLOTT’ was first written by Welsh Playright Gary Owen and played both in the UK winning the James Tait Black Prize for Drama and in the USA being a “New York Times” ‘pick of the week’.
PLAYING 3-22 September, 2024 – The Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre is located at Rear 2 Chapel St, St. Kilda East near the corner of Dandenong Rd opposite the Astor Theatre. Free Parking is at the back of the gym near Red Stitch theatre and in surrounding streets (note parking limit signs pending times). There are plenty of places to eat a short walk away and the theatre offers snacks / drinks bar prior to the show with an outdoor seating area and inside foyer. Printed programs about the show and cast/creatives are $2 at entry.
