Thursday’s child has far to go, and sometimes, that means coming full circle back to your family home. New Ghosts Theatre Company’s latest production, Born On A Thursday, offers a window into the pain and joy of ordinary life amidst tragedy, homecoming, and multiple pots of tea.
The play tells the story of a broken ballerina’s return to her mother’s house after four years abroad. The home she left behind is, at once, unchanged and yet completely different. Her brother’s football accident has left him with a traumatic brain injury. Her estranged mother has doubled down on what she does best – doggedly pushing through and keeping on.
Sharon Millerchip lives and breathes the role of Ingrid, the tough but dedicated mother. Her unrelenting energy, pace and emotional range take the audience on a journey that leaves its imprint long after the closing bows.
Through her, we get an insight into the reality of caring for a child with a disability. It’s both heartbreaking and beautiful to watch the ups and downs of their relationship as her son lives a different life from what she’d imagined for him.
James Lugton plays the down-to-earth and tragic-in-his-own-right neighbour, Howard, with authenticity and warmth. Howard is clearly more emotionally involved in Ingrid and her children’s lives than he wants to admit. Lugton’s calm, natural energy on stage and the clear chemistry between Ingrid and Howard have you rooting for him from start to finish.
Sofia Nolan takes on the role of April, the repressed and broken ballerina. Owen Hasluck creates a believable and loveable Isaac. Deborah Galanos brings some wine-fuelled comic relief as Ingrid’s mate, Estelle.
Each character is trapped in a prison of their own repression. Words unsaid, desires unadmitted, dreams unrealised, and futures uncertain. As the play progresses, the truth is squeezed out of each of them until they all reach a better place within themselves and with each other.
Very cleverly staged and directed by Lucy Clements, the action takes place in a kitchen and dining room with a view into the garden. Jack Kearney’s evocative script is authentically grounded in Australian language and references from the late ’90s.
While the action did move a bit slowly at times, and the script and dramatic pauses could perhaps use some tightening, it does effectively take you back in time to a familiar and nostalgic landscape.
Over the course of two acts, this domestic drama celebrates resilience, the small things in life, and the leathery durability of unconditional love.
Born On A Thursday is a production worth seeing to understand that a life doesn’t need to be flashy or famous to matter. Every person experiences their own pain, no matter how big or small. And in their world and to their loved ones, it matters.
Born On A Thursday is presented by New Ghosts Theatre Company and runs to 21 December at Old Fitz Theatre. 129 Dowling Street Woolloomooloo NSW 2011.
Tickets: https://www.oldfitztheatre.com.au/book-now
Website: https://www.oldfitztheatre.com.au/born-on-a-thursday
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/oldfitztheatre/ and https://www.instagram.com/newghoststheatrecompany/
Photo credits: Phil Erbacher
