SWEET NOTHINGS

It was Arthur Schnitzler, who famously said, “I write of love and death. What other subjects are there?” Or should that have been sex and death? Often viewed as too decadent to be performed publicly in early twentieth century Europe, Schnitzler’s works have nonetheless inspired a number of more recent, edgy adaptations – here, David Harrower’s Sweet Nothings.

So what’s wrong with a dalliance? A careless affair is harmless, surely? Well, not exactly. Four young people travel on a journey down the dark side of desire – risking all in a tragic game of love, lust and adultery. When a “moth is to the candle drawn” one rarely considers the consequences but Sweet Nothings peels back the veneer to the disturbing core of a sexual adventure out of control. For those who are familiar with Schnitzler you probably know where this is heading – think maybe Eyes Wide Shut and The Blue Room.

Directed by John Kachoyan in partnership with pantsguys Productions, the cast features some of Sydney independent theatre’s young rising stars, along with veteran actor of stage and screen Mark Lee (Gallipoli) and the always engaging Lucy Miller (Fireface). (GW)

Nov 7-23, atyp Under the Wharf, Studio 1, Pier 4/5 Walsh Bay, $20-32.50, 9270 2400, atyp.com.au.