LIFEFORCE
Image: Photo by Richard Weinstein
The themes in Lifeforce are deep and universal. Its story isn’t a particularly interesting or unusual one, but the emotions it communicates and the ideas it explores have a profundity that elevates the musical genre from mere entertainment.
This is a demanding show for the small cast. Without support from a chorus, stage hands and elaborate sets, the five performers are required to take us on their journey, relying only on their considerable skill and talent.
Director Lisa Freshwater treats her material with reverence and dignity. Her emphasis on truthful character development allows the audience to engage and to empathise with those characters.
Themes of family and parenthood when taken seriously, never fail to connect. In the case of Lifeforce, we are served an earnest and thoughtful tale of motherhood. Along with clever song-writing and beautiful singing, this is a show that aims for the heart and never misses its mark. (SW)
Until Sep 21, King St Theatre, 644 King St, Newtown, $30, 2013.sydneyfringe.com
BY SUZY WRONG
