Latest Reviews

Left – Zindzi Okenyo, Karolien de Bleser, Tahki Saul and Charlotte de Bruyne. Cover – the Cast. Photos – Brett Boardman

A young woman walks into a spotlight on stage. She speaks of her journey, if her life was played back in reverse, a la Benjamin Button. Then she and a young man peel a black sheet off the stage floor to reveal a map of the earth in white paper mache-looking cut-outs, and it begins. A projector displays today’s date, 17 January 2012, and the seven cast members take us on a journey (as the show title implies) through The History of Everything. We start from the present time and work back to The Big Bang.

At first it is quite amusing, light-hearted and reflective. As each cast member announces important and some insignificant events (including Justin Bieber’s birthday) of each date, each month, each year and each period of time as the performers stand on each respective part of the map, we travel further back in time. It’s great to see each performer (all of which are exemplary) reveal their unique personalities through the production. They all deserve an individual mention here: Karolien De Bleser, Charlotte De Bruyne, Cameron Goodall, Zindzi Okenyo, Tahki Saul, Joeri Smet and Nathalie Verbeke.

In this initial stage of the production, each actor mentions an event in history, one after the other, all in quick succession. Representing the scientific thesis that the universe will continue to slow down until it stops, signifying the end of the world, this speed onstage (which is quite an impressive feat) does slow down... to a grinding halt.

It becomes more intense, confronting and somewhat saddening as we are given the opportunity to reflect on our own lives, the ones before ours and in essence, the meaning of life. Instead of constant dialogue, the characters are silenced by some amazing soundtracks that belt through the speakers. The stage darkens as we drift back in evolution and the human population on earth drops below 10,000. But it doesn’t stop there. We go even further until there is absolutely nothing in sight or sound apart from small, beautifully coloured and curious glowing lights. It is haunting yet calming all at once. We have travelled to the beginning of time which may represent the inevitable end.

The interpretations of this production are endless even if director, Alexander Devriendt, clearly states that he believes and follows theories of evolutionary science and somewhat rejects religion and creationist views. Regardless of your own opinion, it will open your eyes and lead to endless discussions over a glass or two of wine after the show ends.


Sydney Theatre Company and Ontroerend Goed present
A History of Everything
In association with Sydney Festival

Venue: Wharf 2, Sydney Theatre Company
Dates: January 17 – February 5, 2012
Tickets: $50 – $40
Bookings: 02 9250 1777 www.sydneytheatre.com.au | 1300 668 812 | www.sydneyfestival.org.au