Anywhere Festival

Samara Louise’s play, SET ME ON FIRE, is a deeply moving play about the ugly side of family ties, the angst of artistic temperament, and the longing for a better life.

Through the erudition and articulation of her lead female character, Samara paints a poignant portrait of a girl growing into an excellent example of an independent, free-thinking femme fatale.

The list of Samara’s achievements so far seems enormous, considering her youth. Cale Dennis, the director, is also no slouch when it comes to winning awards. I foresee they both have bright futures in theatre and probably whatever else they decide to address with their talents. All members of The Silent Sky Collective, who produced the play, are emerging artists in their own right.

Rachel McMurray, playing Eden, the lead, did a wonderful job of wrapping her lips around the lines of dialogue she had to deliver, and her transitions between a coy seventeen-year-old and a savvy twenty-something, demonstrate she’s a force to be reckoned with.

Her counterpart, Mannon Davies, as Noah, the lost love interest, gives us a delightful deep dive into the psyche of a boy burdened by a mother clinging to her child. His chemistry with Rachel was obvious, and yet deftly understated, muted by the malignance of his meddling mother.

The play begins near where it ends and then backtracks to fill in the gaps. The reminiscences replicate the back story that brought the two tumultuous teens to where they meet again at the beginning of the play, through complexities that remind us that underneath each of us are layers of human experience that can and often do scar us for life.

Cullyn Beckton and Tim James, the tech team, never missed a beat. The set, sound, and lighting all enhanced the moments that made the story work so well.

It’s a thoroughly watchable work. I’d give it 4 out of 5 stars. Go see these people play now before they get so well-known that you have to pay through the nose to see them.

The production contains very occasional strong language and young adult themes. It’s part of The Anywhere Festival and is staged inside Backdock Arts, a small hall at 103 Brunswick Street, in Fortitude Valley.

This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.

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