theatre review: speaking in tongues by andrew bovell
This is the play that a girl I know considered altering her flights to Europe for once she realised she’d miss it. That’s how much she was looking forward to seeing Andrew Bovell’s Speaking in Tongues, and although I’m sure Europe has its charms, she’s missing out.
Directed by Geordie Brookman and featuring lighting and design by the ever-inventive Geoff Cobham and Victoria Lamb respectively, this play is both visually alluring and mentally challenging.
It’s not that the script is too wordy or complicated, or that the storyline is convoluted; quite the opposite, in fact. Bovell uses the relationships of nine people to question morals, the idea of fidelity, and the idea of relationships themselves. Their stories are interwoven, with the first act exploring the infidelity between two couples, and the second following five different characters, who remain linked to the first two couples. Despite their differing situations, characters repeatedly share lines, with dialogue bouncing around the stage.
In a most satisfying way, Speaking in Tongues asks more questions than it answers. Morals and social norms are questioned, but not in a painfully obvious way; rather, these questions bleed out of the characters gradually, holding centre stage for a only a moment before Bovell lets them wash over the audience and sink slowly away. If it sounds poetic, it’s because it is. The script is linguistically appealing, and masterfully interwoven.
The cast members – Terence Crawford, Lizzy Falkland, Chris Pitman and Leeanna Walsman – each depict at least two characters, ably communicating a range of emotions and ideas. DJ TR!P’s music, a comfortable blend of electronic and traditional sounds, is a chilling and expressive backdrop to this engrossing play.
Following the show, I attended the Red Carpet Party in the Festival Theatre’s Lyrics Lounge. Adorned with shoes (a recurring image in the production) and again scored by DJ TR!P, the long room featured an oddment of armchairs and sofas creating many cosy nooks to chat with old and new friends about the show. These conversations were of course aided by the kind waiters rotating with wine and canapés. A game of ‘spot the actor’ could easily be played, with the cast (and at least one other actor from a television ad that I can’t recall) all dropping in. Filling mind and stomach, this party was a fun way to end an entertaining show and a great excuse to frock up.
Speaking in Tongues and its after party made for an exciting, clever, and funny evening (as if one of those wasn’t enough). There’s an ‘in’ for everyone in this story. Go and find yours.
Speaking in Tongues plays until July 24 at the Dunstan Playhouse. Tickets from $29 at Bass.
(Image credit: Shane Reid.)
