Photo by Dylan Evans
Exploring aspects of domestic and emotional abuse, and delving into the imaginative world of a 13 year old girl named Danika Hart, Sunnytown is an original piece of theatre, beginning simply but escalating in gravity. Playwright Krystal Sweedman creates a timeless and relatable setting that many audience members may have encountered personally or by knowing someone who has been in similar situations. The subject matter is something that plagues society, and is very much a real struggle for countless families, particularly women and children.
The actors are well presented and do justice to their characters, ​embodying the different ways individuals react to one other, particularly when struggling with stress and aggression. ​The strongest performances were from Caroline Dunphy and Ron Kelly ​as the parents Marg and Jim, who created realistic moments between two individuals struggling with the realities that trust and love have been replaced by suspicion and domination. Each acts as a mirror of how many men and women act, creating a thin veneer of serenity or joviality for the outside world while masking abusive behaviours to maintain the appearance that everything is fine.
As Dani, Olivia Hall-Smith was also a strong performer. Her struggle was that of an observer; having little impact on her parent’s ordeals, and focusing more on the internal strife that had dominated her own life, the play shows that children are often forgotten about when it comes to domestic disturbances.
The production’s most interesting character is that of Miranda (Vanessa Krummenacher, who delivered a strong performance, despite the character itself being rather unrealistic at times). Granted her revelation later in the production warrants an unrealistic approach to the scenes within, but it could be fine-tuned to enable the audience to remain inquisitive as to who this young woman is in relation to the family.
Overall, the ‘glimmer’ sequences are interesting to say the least. Creating an environment that is both an obstacle to Dani, as well as an opportunity to develop her own individuality, it is reminiscent of the journey presented in Dante’s Inferno, except instead of the seven circles of hell, Dani finds herself navigating the complex layers of the Sunnytown Municipal Extravaganza Mall. Led by the enigmatic Voice of Ra, Dani has to overcome a series of emotional challenges only to return to reality to discover her family becoming more and more dysfunctional each time. Ultimately, Dani and her family are forced to come to a decision that will affect how her life will continue for years to come.
It is worth noting that this is Sunnytown‘s first production, and as such it has room to grow. Fleshing out various aspects could benefit the performance in some regards, however as a whole it has merit and should be given an opportunity to develop further.
Rating: 3 stars out of 5
Sunnytown
La Boite Indie/Shot in the Dark
By Krystal Sweedman
Director: Heather Fairbairn
Designer: Catherine Steele
Lighting Designer: Jason Glenwright
Assistant Director: Jessica Palfrey
Producer: Emma Joenpolvi
Stage Manager: Emma Wenlock & Laura Hansford
Cast: Olivia Hall-Smith, Vanessa Krummenacher, Caroline Dunphy, Ron Kelly and Rowan Chapman
The Roundhouse Theatre – La Boite Studios
14–31 October 2015
