Dacryphilia is a form of paraphilia in which one is aroused by tears or sobbing. The term covers all forms of pleasure gained from the tears of others, with arousal achieved when viewing a person in emotional distress. It carries the theme where a person (often a top in a BDSM relationship) induces another (the bottom) to cry, or otherwise show a strong emotion.
Although the title refers to the condition, which characterizes the protagonist, do not be fooled into thinking that this is a play about BDSM or such things. At its heart, Dacryphilia is a funny, touching love story.
We follow the journey of Adora, who works a dead end job in a mattress store. Things start looking up when Leo, a young man who cannot stop crying, turns up one day unexpectedly. Instantly drawn to his tears, the two begin an odd love affair. That is until he is literally all cried out.
This is a wonderfully written script from playwright Amanda Miha, which shifts between comedy and tragedy with ease without feeling forced. It is certainly a strange premise, but manages to keep the relationship tender and real. It is very refreshing to have another new Australian female playwright with merit.
The young and underrated actor Anthony Winnick (as Leo) puts in a stunning performance in a demanding and difficult role, adding both nuance and dignity to what could have been a parody or one dimensional character, while Annie Lumsden almost matches him with energy and confidence.
It is well directed by Douglas Montgomery who thankfully keeps the staging simple and clear, trusting his actors and Miha’s text. The intimate staging allows us access into such an unusual relationship. Some of the sequences where Leo’s tears have dried up are hilarious and sometimes sad.
The original live music by Sophie Rose is haunting but ultimately serves no real purpose and could have been dispensed with, but this is just a quibble. That aside, this is a poignant, funny and moving tragicomedy introducing an exciting new arrival to Melbourne theatre: her name: Amanda Miha.
Postscript: One wonders what Lars von Trier film failed to make Leo cry.
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Dacryphilia
Written by Amanda Miha
Directed, designed and produced by Douglas Montgomery
Music performed by Sophie Rose
Broken Mirror Productions, Brunswick
01-06 October 2013
Melbourne Fringe Festival
www.melbournefringe.com.au
18 September – 6 October
