This stylised, brave and dramatic new work invites the audience behind closed doors to experience the intimate nature of four young adults and their daily life.
We witness the comings and goings of housemates Sammy (Emma Kew), Olly (Harry Breese) and Max (Keenan Haynes), along with regular visitor and Olly’s girlfriend, Ester (Maddy Herd). Within the confines of this share-house, the usual fun and games, intrigue, assumptions, pecking order, attractions, harmless banter and petty jealousies are all played out – until a catastrophe catapults the household into a state of shock, terror and dire straits.
How far someone will go to cover his or her tracks is a key question at this crucial turning point in the lives and relationships of these young fledglings, wide-eyed and excited about life and all its possibilities, they find themselves ill-equipped to manage the adversity they face. In a moment of panic, a plan is hatched that gives rise to the famous saying by Sir Walter Scott: “Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.”
The cast members fit together like a glove, presenting diverse character types, reactions and interactions that are well pitched to capture the attention of young adults, while offering all audience members valuable insights.
Special mention must go to director Hannah Fallowfield (There’s Nothing Compassionate About Dogs, 2013 Fringe) and writer Chloé Eckert (winner of the State Theatre Company Young Playwrights award with Sage in 2013). Both are members of Urban Myth Theatre Company’s senior ensemble, and what a dynamic duo they make.
(finger)prints was given four-and-a-half stars on the Fringe voting blackboard after Saturday night’s opening and it is certainly well worth a look.
Show runs until February 23 at the Channel Nine Kevin Crease Studios, Tynte Street, North Adelaide.
© Patricia Herreen 2014