Cold comfort
Conclusions:
On Ice - a great title for a play with an equally great first
vision: two actors sitting at the back of the stage while a third
stands centre stage, on a block of ice, noose around neck, bag
over head.
Written by actor Tahli Corin and director Joshua
Tyler, this new Australian absurdist piece examines the idea of
‘help’ and the selfishness and ‘get what you
can’ attitude of many people.
Tyler has pulled out all stops when it comes to
performance techniques. It is quite evident in this engrossing
production that he knows and respects his cast, bringing out the
best from all three young, talented actors.
They are superb. Ptiika Owen-Smith (as the girl
on the ice) handles the difficult task of standing upright, hardly
moving, for seventy-five minutes, with a magnificent vocal display.
Patrick Graham shows versatility in his various roles; especially
as an old lady. The standout performance, however, comes from
Tahli Corin who becomes immediately whatever part she has to portray
and displays a wonderful comic talent.
It is heartening to see the future of Australian
theatre put in the hands of such young, creative performers, writers
and directors as these.
Brian Godfrey
