After being involved in the theatre scene for almost 16 years, it still surprises me just how articulately live performance can capture a unique experience and make it feel universal. Seeing Threadbare was one such experience. Regardless of background, status or age, the audience were invited with open loving arms to sit and feel this story of identity, belonging and fading memories.
We follow Sasha who has some exciting news they would like to share with their beloved gran Elaine. But the repercussions of sharing this part of their lives might damage the relationship between them. Elaine also has dementia. Time seems fleeting and memories are fading. But luckily Sasha has the safety net of a home filled with the love of the family they have chosen.
Multidisciplinary artist Tomas Parrish-Chynoweth embodies the character of Sasha with beautiful vulnerability. Etched on their face and voice was the fraught complexity of navigating through love, identity and memory. Rebecca Morton’s Elaine was simply divine to watch. Every time we saw the light of recognition fade from her eyes, our hearts would crumble to pieces. Sasha’s partner Kaden was played by Blake Appleqvist. Their ability to expertly balance softness, heat and comedy added dimension to the budding relationship that few actors would be able to achieve. Matisse Laida’s Riley gave the audience permission to find humour in some of the more absurd aspects of queerness. Comic timing is no joke but Laida used it with graceful ease.
Completing the family was Sarah Fitzgerald as Kahani. Their performance perfectly encapsulated the exhausting burden of being the “caretakers” of the family. Each actor moved with fluidity, trust and conviction. This can be credited to Manali Datar’s adept and careful direction. Congratulations on this triumphant directorial debut! What this team has achieved with Tomas Parrish-Chynoweth’s poignant script is nothing short of brilliant.
Leaving the theatre space, I could see I was definitely not the only audience member with tears in their eyes and a smile on their face. Sometimes tolerance and forgiveness can feel like wounding yourself especially if you are the oppressed. And sometimes it is too much to bear at the risk of disturbing your peace. But if you can do it, it can also be the greatest gift you give yourself and another person. Love is love is love and at its heart, Threadbare is a celebration of acceptance in all its forms and love in all its forms. I can still feel it holding me close like the warm embrace of my grandmother. Threadbare is showing at the St Martins Youth Arts Centre until the 19th of July.
To book tickets to Threadbare, please visit https://stmartinsyouth.com.au/event/threadbare.
Photographer: Liv Morrison
