Under
By Cassandra Tse
Ghost Light Theatre, Nelson, Friday, March 9
Reviewed by Mary Glaisyer
First performed in Wellington in 2017 and now on tour, Under is a one person play which tells the story of a marriage. I was captivated from the very beginning.
Actor/singer Chris Green, previously seen in Nelson in Mervyn Thompson’s Coaltown Blues, embodies the character of the Man (we never know his name) with great skill and credibility. We are led with tenderness and humour through his years with his wife May and in the exploration of their relationship we are invited to learn what it is to love.
The play is very intimate. There is a mystery at the heart of the piece and we as the audience are asked to assist the Man in his journey. Chris Green connects with us with great warmth and sensitivity.
Cassandra Tse is an award-winning young playwright and her work is very poetic and memorable.
“Pain is a room we visit sometimes ……We see people so often we forget to look at them……….Remembering is a game for two players.”
The play is beautifully crafted and because the main character is a script editor, the act of writing is an underlying theme in the piece. The style reminds me somewhat of Bruce Mason’s End of the Golden Weather, so if you loved that, you will most definitely enjoy Under. I warmly recommend it.
Under will be performed again on Friday March 16 and Saturday March 17 at 7pm at Ghost Light Theatre, 146 Bridge St. Nelson. Tickets: $13 – $45 (pay what you can) www.ghostlight.nz or at the door – $20
