Canberra Reviews

I can’t tell you what happens at the end of this play, but even if this weren’t such a strong production, the twist would be worth the price of admission. Free Rain Theatre Company’s latest offering, The Shape of Things, works with engaging material by novelist, screenwriter and playwright Neil LaBute. The play tells the story of Adam, a nail-chewing English-lit geek who manages to ask out Evelyn, a beautiful and free-spirited art student. Through their relationship, Adam is transformed from hopeless to hot, much to the surprise of long-time friends Phil and Jenny. As Evelyn’s presence continues to impact on Adam’s life, the audience is faced with questions of morality, art, beauty, love, and friendship.

Because this play includes only four characters, one slip in casting could have derailed the entire project. Thankfully smart choices have been made, and LaBute would likely be pleased with the casting of Leah Baulch as Evelyn, a character who brings new meaning to the words ‘artistic temperament.’ Baulch has a strength to her acting that stands out in the more challenging scenes. At the same time, her natural grace didn’t always gel with the rougher sides of Evelyn’s character. But Baulch was always immersed in her role, and elicited occasional gasps from the audience with her delivery of Evelyn’s heartless, self-assured lines.

Chris Palframan brought an authenticity to the role of Adam in both his ‘geek’ and ‘gorgeous’ guises. His transformation, although relatively quick, was never jarring - a testament to smart costume design as well as good acting. There’s an awkwardness to Adam that could have come across as wooden, but for the most part Palframan kept this as natural as possible. His emotional final scenes were particularly moving, and it was great to care about this character rather than simply follow his story.

Pat Gordon was all too convincing as Phil, the loud-mouthed undergrad with a chip on his shoulder. Gordon brought humour and interest to this role, despite the fact that Phil doesn’t provide much in terms of emotional range. Hannah Meredith was particularly impressive as ‘nice girl’ Jenny, and created one of the high points of the play with her final, bitter speech to Evelyn.     

First time director Soren Jensen was nominated for his acting ability in the 2007 Canberra Area Theatre Awards, but his directing skills are also worthy of attention. Jensen and his cast have clearly taken time to work on the pacing and delivery of each scene, and the result is dramatic without being overstated.

The set design was sparse yet clever, supporting the acting without distracting from the story. The use of the projector screen was especially creative, combining art stills and video to add depth to the overall production. The soundtrack, taken from Canberra band Casual Projects’ latest album, was generally effective, although occasionally the music did interfere slightly with the flow of the play. 

The tagline for this play is ‘strive to make art, but change the world.’ The Shape of Things may not change the world, but it is an enjoyable piece of art.


Free Rain Theatre Company presents
THE SHAPE OF THINGS
by Neil Labute

Venue: Courtyard Studio – Canberra Theatre
Dates/Times: Frid 23rd and Sat 24th May at 8pm
Sat 24th May at 2pm, Sun 25th May at 5pm
Wed 28th May at 6.30pm
Thurs 29th, Fri 30th Sat 31st May at 8pm Sat 31st May at 2pm
Tickets: Preview and Sat Mats all tickets $18.00
Wed: Pay what you can at the door
Other shows: Adults $27, Concessions $22
Bookings: 62752700