THE DARK ROOM
In a motel somewhere in the Northern Territory, six lost souls act out a distant tragedy of social breakdown. Only it’s not the same night. Although separated by distance and time, the stories of Grace, Anni, Constable Stephen Collins, Emma, Craig and Joseph collide in a single space to explore the idea that we are all responsible for each other’s lives.
“The way the story unfolds is really compelling,” says Cameron Stewart, in the role of Craig, a senior police officer who has crossed an ethical line. “The characters interact in the same space over a three month period, so while two characters are interacting, the other characters are in the space at a different time. It’s really interesting way of visually presenting the way the stories intertwine and the ripple effects on their lives.”
Stewart believes what’s interesting about the play is the way it explores this ripple effect and the interconnectedness between the characters, feeling it demonstrates how and why we have a responsibility to each other. While he also states the story isn’t suggesting society has lost its ability to empathise, it’s important to be reminded and see situations from someone else’s perspective.
Penned by Angela Betzien and directed by Leticia Caceres, founders of Queensland company, Real TV, the play also examines how people deal with tough circumstances. In particular, Stewart’s character is offered a chance at redemption. But will he take it?
“He [Craig] represents how people can so easily slip to the dark side and suddenly find themselves doing things they would never have imagined.”
Despite the dark subject matter Stewart says The Dark Room is surprisingly funny. As a result, the cast, which includes Brendan Cowell (pictured) and Leah Purcell, are having a lot of fun in the challenging process of finding the, “nuts and bolts of the play.”
So what does Stewart want audiences to come away with?
“I think audiences will be really intrigued by the way the stories unfurl and intertwine. I think people will talk about the intricacies of storytelling, and that will lead to deeper thinking about the themes.”
Until Dec 11, Belvoir St Theatre, 25 Belvoir St, Surry Hills, $32-42, 9699 3444, belvoir.com.au
