Type – Independent Music Theatre, Queer Theatre, Māori culture
If you liked – American Psycho (Hayes Theatre), Takatāpui
Sonder: A transfixing microcosm of identity and shining light in dark places
Old Fitz Theatre is one of those hole-in-the-wall theatres that delivers some of the most diverse and exciting programming every single year. A leading venue for innovative, bold and independent works, I never know what the space will look like or what kind of material will be presented because I’ve made myself a rule not to research shows at Old Fitz ahead of time.
Sonder is the latest world premiere to take over the Old Fitz, from fresh production house Berlage&Co. Set inside a pulsing nightclub, Sonder is a one-man musical that tells the story of a gay Māori man, Romeo and his connection to culture. A coming of age tale, the piece follows of a series of pivotal, and sometimes traumatic, life-changing experiences that pulled him away from his culture and family and the way he found his way back.
Written and performed by Riki Lindsey, with sound design and composition by Mitchell Sloan, the piece is form-breaking and genre pushing; part rave, part poetry slam, part musical. Entering the space, a glowing portal on the floor and distant heavy basslines that felt like they were bleeding from the walls had my attention peaked. While the unique and visceral experience pushes the musical-genre boundaries and the work embodies captivating scenes and moments you could hear a pin drop, there are times where the storytelling feels a little incoherent and lost under the sound design.
Lindsey’s performance is compelling and extremely grounded. In the spoken text, he has the audience in the palm of his hand as the story weaves back and forwards in time. There are moments during the soulful songs when Lindsey’s voice feels breathless at times, losing some of the magic that cuts through the space so powerfully in his chants. The timbre of his spoken voice and the strength of his characters presence help us make sense of the tangled nature of the piece’s narrative.
Alexander Berlage, possibly best known for their work on Hayes Theatre’s jaw-dropping production of American Psycho, helms the production as director, as well as providing the lighting and set design. Part underground rave and part Eurovision, his kinetic set of floating mirrors and VIVID-worthy lighting design propel the entire production upwards. The reflective design ebbs and flows with Fetu Taku’s movement direction which is like liquid and completely transfixing throughout.
Blending live electronic music, ancestral chant, Mau Rākau, and raw storytelling, the piece moves between ecstasy and stillness, intimacy and chaos.
Is SONDER Worth Seeing in SYDNEY?
The great benefit of the Old Fitz is its capacity to allow new material to be tried, explored and engage new ideas. While Sonder still needs some polishing, this exciting, 60-minute work offers the chance to see a brilliant team deliver a world premiere piece that challenges the norm in genre, performance style and structure. I have no doubt Sonder will return evolved and matured and I look forward to seeing it earn the acclaim it deserves on the wider industry stage.
Tickets and Practical Info for SONDER in SYDNEY 🎟️
Sonder is playing at Old Fitz Theatre til 23 May
Content Warnings: This production uses immersive sound design, haze and flashing lights. Sonder explores themes of intergenerational trauma, childhood sexual abuse (referenced, not depicted), family violence, homophobia, substance use, and the long-term impacts of silence and shame.
Producing Company: Berlage & Co
Writer (Book & Lyrics): Riki Lindsey
Writer (Music): Mitchell Sloan
Director, Set & Lighting Designer: Alexander Berlage
Cultural Advisor & Mau Rakau Instructor: Herb Ratahi
Stage Manager: Jasmine Power
Sound Designer: Mitchell Sloan
Movement Director: Fetu Taku
Sound Systems Designer: Em-Jay Dwyer
Lighting Programmer: Lachlan Hogan
Photographer: Jessie Obialor
Cast : Riki Lindsey
