The Melbourne Fringe Festival is in full swing and the Motley Bauerhouse in Carlton plays host to the debut performance of Other Gods.
The lights brighten to a minimalistic stage, a small room as though the audience have been invited in to an intimate moment in time.
It’s here we meet Tom (Sorab Kaikobad), a priest who has sworn celibacy. Yet as the play unfolds we see Tom face his most soul searching moment when he meets the enchanting Marina ( Emily Kruse). Tom must face the most difficult choice in his life- his love for the Gods he worships, or his heart.
Other Gods is an intriguing story, one that is set in a mysterious place and time.
It explores the themes of conflict, love, religion and identity.
Whilst the actors all give heartfelt performances though, the story never really takes off. It feels as though we are invited into the story half way through and there are pieces of the puzzle missing. The religion that is mentioned is only half explained, the characters don’t have a strong story arc, and the concept just feels a little unfinished.
The minimal set design does let the audience focus on the dialogue, which is effective and the soft lighting gives a nice atmosphere. The intimacy of the room makes the performance seem like we are strangers invited into a world and a snapshot in time.
Where does this intriguing world fit into ours- the question is never really answered, we only get a glimpse. However we know that it’s mythical- as the worship of Gods is mentioned several times.
A quite entertaining play, Other Gods certainly raises some interesting questions, exploring themes of love, conflict and turmoil.
The cast give good performances, the dialogue is intellectual and are enjoyable. There are moments of humour with Asher Griffith-Jones as Ant giving a comedic performance, bringing lighthearted moments to the play.
Other Gods is a play that even with it’s unusual fantasy setting manages to explore themes of love and inner turmoil in a way that is pleasant to watch and it is interesting to be allowed into the fantasy world the characters inhabit.
To book tickets to Other Gods, please visit https://www.melbournefringe.com.au/whats-on/events/other-gods.
Photographer: Tom Noble Creative
