Danny and the Deep Blue Sea, presented by NicNac Productions at the Old Fitz Theatre, originally ran in 1983 off-Broadway. John Patrick Shanley’s play is a short one, clocking in at just 75 minutes. It’s this short runtime that helps capture the often rapid ways relationships form, making every second count.
The titular Danny is played by JK Kazzi, who last year starred in Bell Shakespeare’s Henry 5. Opposite him is Jacqui Purvis of Home and Away and Neighbours fame, playing the deuteragonist Roberta.
The strong and incredibly sustained New York accents help set the scene in a dodgy bar excellently. The minimal set gives the audience the context they need and keeps the focus squarely on the performances. In those tense first minutes, audiences are left wondering: what good can come of this?
The direction by Nigel Turner-Carroll is careful and clever. Using the tables at the bar as symbols for the mental barriers people put up is crafty. Roberta’s continual attempts to sit with Danny feel organic. There’s desperation in her persistence that is deeply compelling.
Danny is bitter, tense and violent. He’s written as a product of his time and environment. This type of character is incredibly hard to play, and Kazzi does so with ease.
Both stars shine in a production that features moments of on-stage intimacy and violence. Each is handled with an easy naturalism. The scenes of intimacy feel deeply human, tender and soft rather than confrontational.
Roberta’s trauma is handled with care and never made light of. Some elements of its treatment reflect the period in which the play is set. Even so, the consistency of the accents and dialogue ensures the audience’s immersion is never lost.
As Roberta, Purvis is wonderful to watch. She is the primary driver of hope throughout the play. Pulling Danny from his isolation, her dream-like monologue is deeply moving.
This is supported through the simple yet effective sound design by Chaii Ki Chapman. The synth is quiet and monotone, which is perfect for keeping the audience focused on the beautiful dialogue.
Though Danny is at first a violent man, the story attempts to keep their relationship balanced. Purvis always plays Roberta as being in control; in their time together, she never plays a victim. Danny and Roberta match each other’s outbursts in a show that feels almost cyclical as they navigate their feelings for each other.
The lighting by Poppy Townsend is another element that propels the piece. The blues, pinks, and eventual purples are mesmerising and a wonderful way to shift the tone from the heavy beginning to the hopeful rising action. The ‘moon’ and the window that light filters through are simply gorgeous.
Danny and the Deep Blue Sea is ultimately a play about masculinity, mental health and the power of human connection. These themes are just as, if not more important, today than they were in the play’s original run. In a world as wild as ours, I can only hope this wonderful production gains even more recognition.
Danny and the Deep Blue Sea is presented by NicNac Productions and runs to 7 February at the Old Fitz Theatre. 129 Dowling Street Woolloomooloo NSW 2011.
Tickets: https://www.oldfitztheatre.com.au/book-now
Website: https://www.oldfitztheatre.com.au/danny-and-the-deep-blue-sea-1
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/oldfitztheatre/ and https://www.instagram.com/nic.nac.productions/
Photo credits: Tony Davison
