Photos - Carla GottgensAs part of the 2008 Melbourne International Arts Festival, Flemish theatre company, Victoria, presents That Night Follows Day, directed by Tim Etchells. Based on prose penned by Etchells and workshopped in rehearsals with the chorus of 16 children, aged nine to fifteen, this work is a delightful celebration of the universality of childhood, parental rearing and the systemic way in which parents educate, and children absorb the rules of the world, expressly or by osmosis.
Consistent with Etchells’ initial vision, at various intervals, the young cast stands in a line across the stage, and delivers an array of comments or observations, such as, ‘You teach us that water and electricity are not good together’ and, ‘You watch us when we are sleeping’. A multitude of topics is traversed ranging from dangerous creatures, history, manners, weird science, religion, conception, emotions, old wives’ tales and anything else in between. The stand alone statements invite the audience to engage with their contents on a personal level, and are variously endearingly cute, humorous, loaded or plainly outrageous. The text is energetically delivered in unison, individually or a combination thereof, separated by intermittent extended pauses. Stylistically, the majority of the text begins with “You”, representing the various influences that shape children: parents, adults, the media and social behaviour, among others. It underlines the natural dominance of the parent over the child in the non-justiciable fiduciary relationship. This is juxtaposed against a short scene during which the children enlighten the audience with their reflections, each beginning with “We”, and by the kids’ reaction to “You say[ing] no” and asking for absolute “SILENCE” repeatedly. Etchells does not fail to recognise that in this dynamic relationship, it is not only the children represented by “We” that can be sometimes unreasonable, immature or guarded.
The set, designed by Richard Lowdon of Forced Entertainment (another performance project with which Etchells is intimately involved) is an older style multi-purpose school hall, with coloured court lines painted onto the green stage floor. Elevated above the stage is a large blackboard, strategically smudged with chalk, on which the text of the play is projected. Although an innovative frame for the piece, its focal point makes it difficult to watch the cast on stage during some of the solo recitations. This is mitigated to some extent by the individuality of the actors’ voices, some still blossoming and others already mature.
Previous critics have described this work as daring and confronting. It certainly serves as a reminder of the significant responsibility attached to the complicated process of raising and shaping the life of another. However, the heart to which this brilliant cast of kids extends to give colour to the text means that any judgment that is passed about the role of “You” in the process is made thoughtfully.
Melbourne International Arts Festival presents
That Night Follows Day
Tim Etchells & Victoria
Performed in Flemish with English Subtitles
Venue: The CUB Malthouse, Merlyn Theatre
When: Wed 22 – Sat 25 Oct at 8pm | Performance on Fri 24 Oct followed by post show Q&A
Duration: 1hr 10min no interval
Prices: Full $45 / Groups (8+) $40.50 / Conc $33.75 Student/MF-Y $25
Bookings: Ticketmaster 1300 136 166 / www.melbournefestival.com.au