Twin is the first installment in a new three-part series by theatre group Arthur. Aptly named The Myth Project, the trilogy has the ambitious aim of inventing a new Australian myth.
This is a play best enjoyed by regular theatregoers more used to abstract or implied narrative.
Opening on a high energy fantasy sequence that served to explain some backstory, it very soon became far less comprehensible, the scenes seemingly a loose series of dream sequences tied together by an abstract narrative. A mix of physical theatre, cabaret and naturalism created a highly stylised play, but unfortunately one without a coherent or clear identity. The excellent writing would have flourished as a surrealist piece (and that may have been what they were aiming for in parts) but as presented the mixed styles came across quite messy.
The ensemble cast was huge (over 40 of them, half still teenagers) and although there were some alright moments the acting generally didn’t meet the standard of other pieces MTC Neon has hosted. This isn’t a show for the general public – many of the audience left confused about what had happened – and in general the action wasn’t polished enough to validate the complexity of the intended content.
Some lovely writing and great physical moments notwithstanding, this is a play best enjoyed by regular theatregoers more used to abstract or implied narrative.
