Stage: Across the universe

Supernova

by Rhiannon Neads
dir Jessica Dromgoole
with Rhiannon Neads, Sam Swann
Omnibus Theatre, Clapham • 25.Apr-13.May.23

Exploring very deep themes with an unusually light touch, this two-person drama is strikingly well-written by Rhiannon Neads, and beautifully played by Neads with costar Sam Swann. It's a warm, funny and ultimately emotional romantic tale, and it's staged with an inventive charm that evokes a sense of the vast universe that surrounds the characters. Because one of the characters is dealing with depression in a complex way, it has a resonant impact.

During a fancy dress party, Harry (Swann) notices Tess (Neads) in her astronaut costume and starts a conversation. Their connection is quick, bonding over their mutual curiosity, and before they know it they're romantically involved. Their life together is deliriously happy, as they grow closer and create a life together. But Tess is dealing with clinical depression, and she is unable to express herself to Harry, who desperately wants to help her.

Sharp dialog keeps the story moving at a brisk pace, cleverly observing details in both the characters and the life they create as a couple. Scenes shift seamlessly into each other, revisiting motifs that range from galactic adventures to costume parties. Both Neads and Swann create strikingly vivid characters who are easy to identify with. Even when Tess' illness begins to cause problems between them, it's clear that her inner desires are at war with her actions. So Harry's helplessness becomes hugely sympathetic.

These are unusually complicated characters and situations, so it's particularly impressive that the script is able to maintain such a brightly humorous tone even as it delves under the surface. It helps that the staging is so bracingly simple, a white circle on the floor with outer-space flourishes and props placed in orbit around the action. Within this, the actors are able to use their physicality to express a range of scenarios that highlight the central issue without overstating anything. And since the script never preaches, this is a play that makes us see depression through a fresh perspective that's honest and also hopeful.

For details, visit CLAPHAM OMNIBUS >

photos by Jack Sain • 27.Apr.23

LFF: Stay safe

There was an actual red carpet premiere at the London Film Festival last night for the lucky few who managed to get tickets to the socially distanced screening: that's writer-director Harry Macqueen and actor Colin Firth (briefly removing his mask) presenting their British drama Supernova. It's looking increasingly like I won't get to attend a single in-person event at this year's festival, but at least most of the films are screening on the press portal. Better get back to watching them! Here are a few highlights for Monday...

Supernova

dir-scr Harry Macqueen; with Colin Firth, Stanley Tucci 20/UK ****

Beautifully photographed by Dick Pope, this British drama unfolds as a travelogue both through the countryside and within a long-term relationship. It may have a few big topics at its centre, but it's a sensitive, intimate film brought to life in deeply felt performances from Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci. Writer-director Harry Macqueen lets the story unfold in a refreshingly open-handed way, with added moments of unfiltered emotion... FULL REVIEW >

200 Meters

dir-scr Ameen Nayfeh; with Ali Suliman, Anna Unterberger 20/Pal ***.

There's an everyday authenticity to this Palestinian drama, about a family divided by a series of degrading obstacles. In its specific story, the film reflects difficulties of normal life in this part of the world. Both the family drama and a harrowing road trip are thoroughly engaging, even if plot points and issues are sometimes over-egged. With his first feature, filmmaker Ameen Nayfeh clearly has a lot to say... FULL REVIEW >

Genus, Pan

dir-scr Lav Diaz; with Don Melvin Boongaling, Nanding Josef 20/Ph ***.

At two and a half hours, this is almost a short for Filipino auteur Lav Diaz. Shot in his usual silvery monochrome in extended busy takes, this is an insidiously vicious allegory about primal behaviour with a deliberately circuitous story structure. And it isn't particularly hopeful, either. So perhaps it's intentional that it's difficult to sympathise with characters who try but fail to be human to each other... FULL REVIEW >

NB. My anchor page for the LFF is HERE and full reviews will appear in between these daily blog entries. I'll get there eventually.