Image supplied by La Mama
One would be forgiven for thinking that if only death weren’t inevitable, all of our suffering would end. Our greatest fears would be erased – losing a loved one, having your own life cut short or feeling the pain of missing someone who’s passed – all of this would cease to exist.
One day in a particular country, death stops. The repercussions of this are surprisingly devastating, and the people realise that the absence of death means there is no end to suffering. Funeral homes are in panic mode. People survive ghastly accidents. The elderly can expect to live an incredibly long life, but with no hope of relief. Aged care facilities, however, are relishing the anticipated boom to business.
Death at Intervals is a theatrical adaptation of the novel by Portuguese writer, Jose Saramago. The use of puppetry and highly visual theatre brings out magic realism evident in Saramago’s words. The unusual narrative deals with the politics in a country that no longer has death to fear.
Emotive and vibrant performances by Colleen Burke and Frank Italiano are second only to the stunning and varied use of puppets used throughout the show. The eerie and morose characters are a work of art in themselves, and are complemented by the chilling live score (mostly consisting of the piano accordion) by Dave Evans.
While it’s a visually stunning piece of theatre with a highly intriguing concept, the overall story feels lacking. Given the subject matter and the abstract presentation of these ideas, this isn’t too surprising. Rather than a comprehensive, cohesive plot, Death at Intervals offers a series of snapshots of what happens in this town when death is put on hold. Whether this disjointed feel is a downside to the play or simply staying true to the nature of the original, it is difficult to say.
The subject matter was gripping and most scenes were brilliantly and creatively executed, but the show’s energy seemed to drop in the latter third. For a show of only 60 minutes, Death at Intervals manages to present thought-provoking political notions with the most exquisite props, and just a sprinkle of humour so as not to be completely morbid.
Perhaps the density of the ideas was too much to adequately portray the story presented in Jose Sarmago’s original, but the puppetry, subject matter, and performances by Burke and Italiano are enough to hold the play together.
Death at Intervals provides an exploration of an alluring, yet troubling concept, presented in a most vivid and eerie manner.
Rating: 3 ½ out of 5 stars
Death at Intervals
Directed by Rod Primrose
Performed by Colleen Burke and Frank Italiano
Designed by Colleen Burke
Based on a novel by José Saramago
Adapted by Colleen Burke and Rod Primrose
Music by Dave Evans
La Mama Courthouse, 349 Drummond Street
www.lamama.com.au
14 – 25 May
