Asylum – REVIEW
Image: ASYLUM. Image: supplied
By KYE ANSON
The masterfully written ASYLUM, by Ruth Fingret is an important and thought provoking must-see. Fingret manages to weave between three interconnected stories, all based around one character.
Craig (played by Chris Miller) is an immigration officer, who talks mainly in one-liners to emphasise his authority. Perhaps his short responses are due to the fact that he is tasked with a difficult moral decision throughout this play. To save Hajir (played by Elie Saad), a man seeking refuge in Australia, or bail his scissor wielding son Jason (played by Levi Kenway), out of jail.
Jason is questioned and detained by constable Christine (played by Emma Burns), who puts him on the hot-seat over an incident at a party. She genuinely cares about his situation but makes it clear that no one is above the law.
Meanwhile, Craig’s ex-wife Vikki (played by Dianne Weller) grapples with her Bipolar Disorder, adding more stress to Craig’s complicated moral dilemma. At first, she seems harmless, as she attempts to play a more active role in Jason’s life by paying him a visit. However, news of her reconciliation with her son, has Craig bouncing between his thoughts while he interrogates Hajir.
It Is here that we can see Craig take a liking to Hajir by having a heart to heart. They share jokes and confide in one another before two separate court cases play out in front of the audience. Under a single light at the front of the stage, Craig offers a pleading monologue before the court. The play escalates to a final shock reveal where only one decision is successful.
ASYLUM had the audience feeling every type of emotion. Between overlapping dialogue and various stories unfolding, the actors were cohesive and everything flowed as Ruth Fingret intended it to.
Until May 12
The Hellenic Art Theatre, Building 36, 146 Addison Rd, Marrickville
ASYLUM2024.eventbrite.ca
