As We Forgive

It's often very difficult for an actor to find nuance while playing different characters, and playing three similar yet divergent characters back to back is no mean feat. This is the challenge faced by actor Robert Jarman in Julian Meyrick's production of As We Forgive.

The play, co-presented by Tasmania Performs and Griffin Theatre Company, comprises three personal and at times gripping monologues. Each is based on a fundamental human characteristic; namely, vengeance, hatred and forgiveness. Each character played by the calculating and at times effervescent Jarman.

While the writing is solid, the performance commanding and relatable, there is some ineffable lacuna. Perhaps, it's the fact that the stories delve into the three distinct motifs yet never take us to the precipice of emotion. 

This production seemed to emulate so many other pieces of Australian theatre: the cello playing in the unnecessarily long and clunky changes between monologues; the simple stage settings that themselves seemed gratuitous; and, the sepia toned stock images used as visual aids to set the scenes.

At its best, theatre moves its audience, giving insights into the inner workings of humanity in artful and innovative ways. The play does encapsulate very realistic stories with some poignant and pensive lines that audiences can empathise with. The acting is solid and engaging. The worlds are domestic and mostly immersive. Yet, As We Forgive somehow misses the mark in striking at the heartstrings of its audience. There are no shivers up the spine coaxed by this show, no tears jerked and only a few moments of comedy — having said this, it's still worth exploring for yourself.