“fine festive fare”
Kate Stratford
4 Stars
Venue: Ensemble Theatre
Sydney (Kirribilli)
Dates: Until November 21st
Snowflake
a. a single ice crystal that is large enough to fall through the atmosphere as snow Snowflakes form in a wide variety of intricate shapes, leading to the notion that “no two are alike”
b. someone who is overly sensitive. A widespread derogatory insult describing someone as overly sensitive, fragile, or possessing an inflated sense of uniqueness.
Or another definition – Snowflake is the title of Mike Bartlett’s stage-play about generational differences and how they manifest in the 21st century. Every generation has struggled to communicate with the one which preceded it. Of course they have. It is the nature of being human. Who is right? Who is wrong? The truth is, as Bartlett gently lays out, no-one is completely right or wrong. We are the sum of our life experience.
It is Christmas Eve and Andy, estranged from his daughter for three years, is hoping for some sort of reunion. Into the neutral space, arrives a stranger – Natalie, there to collect crockery from the communal kitchen. We suspect there is more to it than that. She is funny, articulate and challenging. And when Andy’s daughter Maya finally arrives, Natalie is the only hope for this father and daughter.
James Lugton handles the huge opening monologue with aplomb. As a set-up for a play this is a huge mountain to climb. His attempts to connect and understand are endearing, and his defensive explanations are understandable and nicely underplayed. As Natalie, Lilian Alejandra Valverde’s vitality and humour wins over the audience. Her intelligent, reiterated advice to just “listen” cements her role as peacemaker. Claudia Elbourne has the unenviable task of turning the sullen Maya into something other than an adult behaving like a spoiled 15 year old. Maya has recognised the system which is skewed towards middle-aged white men but has yet to see her father is a victim of the system too.
The Ensemble has again managed to create a specific set out of its tiny space. The tiny, almost useless stage of the local community hall is instantly recognizable. It is everywhere and nowhere, as are the costumes. Except of course, for the famous British Christmas jumper. (Soham Apte)
At its best Bartlett’s work surgically examines issues that divide people along ideological lines. Addressing generational conflict is very Mike Bartlett. It would be easy for Bartlett to attack the baby-boomers but the play also rips into his own generation. Andy is appealing – thoughtful, funny, trying to understand. By contrast his daughter Maya wraps herself in resentment, blaming her disappointed life on her father. Natalie gives hope of understanding and reconciliation. Who would you rather have Christmas dinner with?
It is worthwhile noting that Snowflake was originally produced by JB Theatre Co and Good Time Theatrics at the Old Fitz Theatre with this same director and cast a couple of years ago. Like many plays, it deserves a life beyond its first production. The cast and director (Jo Bradley) are very comfortable with the material and have found all the nuances. Particularly liked the flashes of blackout – emphasizing those moments in life which seem to stretch forever. You know it is only a few seconds but it feels like hours passing.
Christmas is fraught for many people of western culture – most people have stories of disastrous family get togethers. Yet every year, it is regarded as the time to seek reconciliation (even if, at times, through gritted teeth). That we continue to do so is indicative of our need for communication and connection.
Fine festive fare indeed.
photos by Prudence Upton
Kate Stratford, Theatre Now
