Emily Daly and Tim O’Donnell star in Constellation.
Nick Payne’s Constellations is the latest theatrical offering from Newcastle Theatre Company and Seated Ovation. The play, directed by John Wood and Kate Slowey is an exploration of the cosmological theory known as string theory through a romance between two people, teacher, Marianne (Emily Daly) and beekeeper, Roland (Tim O’Donnell).
Payne’s play is written with the belief that there are infinite parallel universes living simultaneously, which allows for multiple universes to be created when any one person makes any decision. Although this is a higher order concept, Payne’s writing makes it accessible and clear without sacrificing the integrity of the characters though forced exposition.
Daly and O’Donnell execute their characters perfectly. This play is a complex challenge for even the best and most experienced performers, with actors having to split off into alternate universes at the click of a simple lighting change. The actors are consistently going through emotional whiplash, which is at first confusing for the audience. The non-linear plot progression at first feels like a bad gimmick and impatient audience members might be quick to judge it as so, but as the play progresses, it opens up to the viewer like the blooming of a flower or a tree growing its branches up to the sky. The play reveals its cards one by one at just the right moment.
Unfortunately, not everything in this production was as effective as the production team wishes it were. The set design in particular felt rather deflated. Of course, a play needs to be set somewhere, but Slowey and Wood’s production was set in a nowhere space. Black walls and curtains contrasting with a white lounge and fairy lights illuminating the back wall in the shape of prehistorical star patterns. The set also features several photos on the back wall with the constellations, it is unclear whether these have any relevance. As the audience is seated a fair distance from the stage, the photos look less important, and more like something found from a stock photo website. Although the set looks somewhat pretty it doesn’t feel like it adds enough to the tone and style of the show to justify its appearance.
Although Daly and O’Donnell are incredibly charismatic and charming in their own way, the most effective moment of the play came to life when our two characters stop talking, their words become irrelevant to the audience as we see a scene we already have seen before, but this time through sign language. This brilliant use of silence is made into a spot of genius by the live pianist, Sebastian Winter, who continues to play his piano, albeit without playing any actual music. This moment is the lead up towards the climax of the play, which becomes increasingly dream-like, but never abstract or surreal. Winter’s composition was beautiful to listen to and was applied at valuable moments in the play.
Newcastle Theatre Company has again delivered a theatrical production of high quality, their pool of actors are impressive, and their embracing of innovation is to be admired, even if not everything entirely works. Constellations is a fascinating and engaging 80-minute stroll through a dream-like parade of science and romance.
4 stars ★★★★
Constellations
By Nick Payne
Directed by John Wood and Kate Slowey
Cast: Emily Daly and Tim O’Donnell
Newcastle Theatre Company and Seated Ovation
13-15 September 2018
