Delve into the depths of a tormented mind with The Construct, the latest work by theatre extraordinaires No Strings Attached. (Image: supplied)
By Emily Hutchinson | @em47456
The world premiere of The Construct, the latest work by renowned South Australian theatre company No Strings Attached Theatre of Disability, was an absolute triumph and masterclass in nuanced performance.
The Construct is a brave exploratory solo work focused on the complexities of living with mental illness. Such a work requires a skilled actor with the ability to embody the subtleties of a tormented mind — this is where actor Fig Kershaw excels. The audience are witnesses to a mind fractured and plagued with flashes of inspiration and fear, with thoughts and delusions which are allowed to ferment in isolation. Kershaw inhabits the stage with a hypnotic blend of ferocity and fragility as they try to uncover the meaning of it all, the hidden teachings of ‘The Construct’.
Superbly executed lighting punctuates the staccato thoughts that jolt them from inspiration, to fear, and then crushing realisation. Audiences are treated to another performer in the form of a lamp joining Kershaw on this journey into the shadows, seeking the light — kudos to the impeccable timing of lighting designer Nic Mollison, whose work accentuates the narrative and empowers the audience to believe in Fig’s journey.
The intimate Slingsby’s Hall of Possibility provides the perfect space for Stewart Boag and Casey Van Sebille’s brooding set design, with enough room for Kershaw to rail against the isolation yet find safety within the confines of their tumultuous mind. A blackboard wall provides a tantalising canvas for the clues to unlock ‘The Construct’. It taunts Kershaw on their path to reveal the secrets.
This is the complex nature of mental illness that director Cat Purling has beautifully exposed.
There is a certain safety in the familiar fears and intrusive thoughts, a personal cell that no one can penetrate and from which an escape seems delicious and intangible. There are moments in this work where the audience are left in awe of a performer whose courage, wit and precision allows the narrative to shine a light upon the brilliant and complex minds so often hidden away in the dark.
There are no simple answers to the questions sought by The Construct. A captivated audience are left to ponder where Kershaw’s journey took place and where they go from here.
The Construct has very limited seating left for its remaining shows on August 1, 2 and 3, so don’t miss out. Get your tickets here.
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