THEATRE: SAVAGE RIVER

Griffin Theatre Company plays a hugely important role in supporting and illuminating new Australian works – the most obvious example being Michael Gow’s Away, which premiered with the company just over 20 years ago. The latest script to be premiered at the Stables Theatre, Steve Rodger’s Savage River, makes us very glad that Griffin is continuing to support local talent.

Savage River introduces us to Kingsley and his son, Tiger, who live in the remote north-west of Tasmania, isolated from the world and humanity. Isolated, at least, until Jude – a lost soul with a confused sense of morality – decides to stay temporarily, and inadvertently turns all three lives upside down.

All three characters are explored with great tenderness, both by the script and cast, and the moral ambiguity of this production is a great strength. Ian Bliss, Travis Cardona and Peta Sergeant all invest their characters with well-considered details and quirks that are required by the stripped-back poetics of the writing. Stephen Curtis’ stage design is subtle, but also has the ability to lend a breathtaking aura to particular moments. Similarly, Jed Kurzel’s compositions work delicately within the performance, while lifting particular details to become profound. Savage River is relevant, intelligent, hilarious, unique and powerful.

Until 18 July. SBW Stables Theatre, 10 Nimrod St, Kings Cross. $26-44, 8002 4772 or griffintheatre.com.au