Perth Theatre Company's artistic director Melissa Cantwell must be pretty darn happy right now. As her first commission for the Company, It's Dark Outside is, quite simply, beautiful. Creators Tim Watts, Arielle Gray and Chris Isaacs bring their story to life in a performance that is both joyful and heartbreaking at the same time.
Using puppetry, live performance, animation and light projection, we are introduced to Hal, an elderly man who we come to learn is slowly losing his sense of being. His clouded, wandering mind takes him into the sunset, to years gone by and memories that seem to be just as real today as they were back then. Adding to the elements created within Hal's mind is a tracker who is hunting Hal down, a very rambunctious tent, drifting clouds and a fluffy white dog.
For anyone who has ever seen a loved one suffer from dementia, this play is touching and captivating in its portrayal. Watts, Gray and Isaacs bring the story of Hal to life in such a way, you forget they are on stage behind the puppets as you immerse yourself in their story. With no words, the soundtrack by local musician Rachael Dease gives the play an extra depth and is perfectly suited to the story.
While bringing tears to your eyes, It's Dark Outside's sadness is also entrenched in an uplifting joy that stays encased in your mind far beyond the final bow. Go and see it; you will not be disappointed.
