Written by Ryan Henry. Directed by Belle Hansen. Produced by Frenzy Theatre Co
An inventive look on our realtionships with ourselves and technology, told through a large ensemble performance
Reviewed by Rachael Vassallo
Theatre Works, St Kilda
Ran from 21st-25th January
Type: Independent, Satirical, Fantasy
If you liked: Black Mirror ‘Nosedive’, The Volition Project
Spark, written by Ryan Henry, is a realistic and hypersexualised take on online dating apps. It is an ensemble work incorporating elements of naturalism in the form of vignettes. Spark is reminiscent of director Belle Hansen’s previous work performed at Theatre Works and the wider tradition of contemporary fantasy ensemble performance.
Spark focuses on what makes us tick, what unites us and the spectrum of extremity we go to be part of it. It also explores the universal language which unites us all, our smartphones. Step inside your much-loved apps, all brilliantly parodied in this performance. Most importantly, take a critical approach to how they impact you, particularly the idealistic life they try and sell you, whether that be perfect spelling, a romantic meal or a relationship or a flinging situationship.
We spend a lot of time on our phones shrinking the world. I can communicate with people from Japan, and receive news from America and photos from Slovakia when I check it straight after the performance ends. We mostly see it as a tool and not as a sentient being. It has made our life easier in many respects, though it has also added new stressors to our lives. Apps with the intention to initiate relationships and share our achievements have become battlegrounds of the extremes causing us to become disenfranchised with who we are and who we want to be. Something as simple as a romantic relationship has become something of a behemoth through these apps.
Hansen and company Frenzy Theatre Co has been transforming Theatre Works in the past year with rough ensemble works which tether at the fabrics of society in humorous ways. Also directed by Hansen was The Volition Project, which I reviewed last year explored the bare bones of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs through a comedic farcical reality show. Today, similar themes of acceptance, romantic love and the notion of self are explored in a dystopian future somewhat realised at present. Hansen manipulates non-naturalistic performance with physical drama, dance and ensemble interludes to create something truly special.
…what shone was the very realistic scripted dialogue.
Spark tells the story of Simon (Henry), and his quest to find his long-term lover. Having previously been very close to being married, his partner left him over his infatuation and juxtaposing inability to commit to anything but his smartphone, and he is on the search for his soulmate. Through his smartphone, he is inundated with guys he likes on the surface, though upon meeting them, none of them have the spark he is looking for. He is ultimately given the fever dream of an opportunity to work through himself, with the aid of a bot named Iris (Cassidy Dunn), and find a guy who ticks all his boxes.
Spark opened with a beautiful soundscape, setting the science fiction landscape. The set consisted of a catwalk ending on a contemporary bed, the placement of which blocked certain views, causing distractions.
The exceptionally talented ensemble, made up of Joshua Gordon, Rupert Bevan, Ozzy Breen Carr, Ryan Haran, Ella La Fournour, Nelana Ferguson, Jessica Demassi, Bek Schilling and Charlie Morris was unusually large for such a show, which I felt suited the work very well. An energetic ensemble made for a vibrant, engaging performance.
The script begins as a naturalistic work, though transforms into a very abstract piece. I thoroughly enjoyed the parodies of recognisable apps and dance sequences throughout the performance. Though what shone was the very realistic scripted dialogue. I felt connected to the characters, understanding their perspectives and struggles. The concept of a ‘Spark’ was communicated effectively and despite the performance challenging monogamy, I left with a stronger understanding of different sorts of relationships and questioning what I want out of a partnership.
Theatre Thought: Does technology connect us, or has it brought out the worst in us?
CREATIVES
WRITTEN BY
Ryan Henry
DIRECTED BY
Belle Hansen
DRAMATURG
Cassidy Dunn
LIGHTING DESIGNER
Sidney Younger
OPERATOR
Jade Hibbert
CAST
SIMON – Ryan Henry (he/him)
IRIS – Cassidy Dunn (she/her)
PETER – Joshua Gordon (he/him)
TOM – Rupert Bevan (he/they)
LEO – Ozzy Breen-Carr (he/him)
BARTY – Ryan Haran (he/him)
ENSEMBLE – Ella Le Fournour (she/her)
ENSEMBLE – Nelana Ferguson (she/her)
ENSEMBLE – Jessica Demasi (she/her)
ENSEMBLE / SWING – Bek Schilling (they/them)
ENSEMBLE / SWING – Charlie Morris (she/her)
