There's a new play at the Lieder Theatre and it is an absolute cracker.
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Here's a review of "Blackbird" from the eyes of the theatre's own Greg Angus.
"Live theatre can be a window into other peoples' perspectives," Mr Angus wrote.
"The Lieder Theatre's current production of David Harrower's multi-award winning Blackbird is a brilliantly unsettling glimpse into different ways people may struggle with the scars of a shattered past.
"This is a COVID safe foyer presentation, but please note that Blackbird contains explicit adult themes and is recommended for mature audiences only.
"Years after their relationship ended, Una arrives unexpectedly, seeking answers from Ray.
"Their staggering conversation drives the audience to rebuild the puzzle of their past while exploring complex issues such as consent, identity, condemnation and redemption.
"Director Chrisjohn Hancock and actors Courtney Mackenzie and Ryan Paranthoiene have shaped the play in a way that humanizes these characters in the present moment, while gradually exposing the tragic impact of their past in the years that followed.
"The ever-supportive team at the Lieder has served Harrower's script with great care, maintaining the role of the theatre a safe space for all to explore a potentially polarizing topic. Mackenzie and Paranthoiene deliver intricately layered emotion throughout.
"Their reactions to each other's confrontation skillfully infer possible memories and motives for audiences to grapple with.
"Tension builds relentlessly towards a hope for resolution or even catharsis.
"Blackbird becomes a precarious tug of war, pulling the audience from reluctant emotional investment in these characters to chilling moments of terrible realisation.
"Suspenseful twists abound right to the end of this delicate and powerful performance.
"This is the kind of live theatre event that may be challenging yet highly rewarding, as it can spark many worthwhile conversations; the preview audience lingered long after the applause to discuss and process the questions Blackbird sharply poses.
"Harrower reveals many unexpected facets in his characters rather than reducing the story to a simplified victim/perpetrator assumption.
"It is a much more complex story than we usually allow ourselves to consider. Theatre fans seeking a thought-provoking experience will find Blackbird unforgettable."
Six performances are scheduled from January 15 to 23. Limited tickets are available at https://theliedertheatre.com/
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