Radiance by Louis Nowra
Directed by Jo Peirce
Brisbane Arts Theatre SEASON OVER
Brisbane Arts Theatre looks good for a 74 year old. As Brisbane’s longest running independent theatre BAT has “re-invigoration” as its overriding theme for 2010. With an impressive program of Australian and international plays, BAT is focused and forging ahead with artistic director John Boyce at the helm.
And Radiance is a wonderful mix of mystery, anticipation and pathos. Already a hit on film, Radiance is a series of interconnected stories, focused on three sisters. Each sister gradually reveals their shadows selves or ghosts in the midst of grieving their recently deceased mother.
Radiance is beautifully translated to stage by director Jo Pierce. The opening scene was superb. Georgia McBride-Levi entered the performance space with slow reverent steps while completely focused on the empty chair where her mother had died.
The vision of ghostly presence was conjured so thoroughly by her constant gaze and slow prowling that I felt as though I was at a séance about to meet the departed. McBride-Levi as Mae was the strong constant presence for me throughout the play.
She was the linchpin that held the play together. Her thorough immersion in character was balanced beautifully by the irrepressible Louvel Yapali-Purcival as Nona.
Yapali-Purcival provided the kinetic energy that motivated and at times pushed for a more connected narrative. There were some silences that required quick dialogue to cover and Nona was the life line. She was perfectly cast by Jo Peirce who spent months researching before choosing her three actors.
Josifini Hawkins as Cressy was the most “elusive” sister who had the motherload of secrets to eventually reveal.
What a theatre! I love the age and patina of the place, truly a Brisbane icon. It is both proudly vintage and hopefully youthful.
BAT continues to breathe still more life and inspiration into the Brisbane theatre landscape. And BAT does harbour ghosts of the most gentle kind that do not require fire to exorcise them.
Lynette Shanahan
