
THEATRE: THE SERPENT’S TEETH BY DANIEL KEENE
REVIEW BY AMELIA GROOM
Comprising two one-act plays, Citizens and Soldiers, The Serpent’s Teeth explores the multifaceted impact of war on ordinary lives. From acclaimed Australian playwright Daniel Keen, the double-bill looks at what happens to people in extreme situations – like being faced with a fight for survival, or being brought together with shared grief.
Citizens is set at the dividing wall of an unnamed war-torn country. A series of fragmentary vignettes show struggle, desperation and moments of hope as ordinary citizens go about their daily lives. In the midst of ongoing conflict and danger from unseen external forces, the nobility and compassion of the human spirit is laid bare.
In the second play, Soldiers, members of five families are thrown together in preparation for a funeral, having all lost relatives at war. With their shared anger, pain and confusion some strengthen kinship and some form new connections, while some relationships fall apart under the strain.
Both plays are performed by the Sydney Theatre Company’s Actor’s Company with Pamela Rabe appearing in Soldiers and making her directorial debut with Citizens. Tim Maddock, a long-term collaborator with Keene, directs Soldiers. It’s a very sleek production with a beautiful set (designed by Robert Cousins), and sound and lighting (by Paul Charlier and Nick Schlieper respectively) that establish a remarkable eeriness and immediacy.
The Serpent’s Teeth by Daniel Keene
Until May 17
Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House
$56-77
Bookings: 9250 1777 or www.sydneytheatre.com.au/serpent