NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

The ’burbs have long been a fertile field from which to yank the roots of middle-class malaise, simmering secrets, complex inter-relationships and the symbolic epicentre of human communication. But it’s also just a real place, where the majority of us live and work, make friends and lose them. Neighbourhood Watch, by American-born and now Australian-based playwright Lally Katz, delicately treads that fine line between sweeping social commentary and a bare-bones human study. But really, with its nuanced and humble characterisation, it’s more about the humans: notably, fierce Australian-Hungarian war survivor Ana (played by the indomitable Robyn Nevin), scarred and neurotic young actress Catherine (newcomer Megan Holloway), ‘sick boy’ and World of Warcraft fiend Ken (charmingly enacted by Charlie Garber), and an uptight cancer-survivor (Heather Mitchell). A merry-go-round of visitors intercept, delivering groceries and painkillers, walking their dogs or popping by to offer ‘just one coffee.’ Simon Stone’s direction is delightfully playful, with Ana’s stories of a war-torn Budapest or lessons learnt in love overlaid with Catherine’s own experiences and burgeoning realisations. It won’t shake your world to its core, but it will make you cry a little, and think about trust, imagination, and the bonds of love significantly more than your average Neigbourhood Watch meeting.

Until Aug 28, Belvoir St Upstairs, 25 Belvoir St, Surry Hills, season sold out but limited tickets available every day in person from the box office, $39-59, 9699 3444, belvoir.com.au