★★★☆☆
First, Do No Harm is an original play by AACTA-nominated and award-winning playwright Grace Malouf. It is one of three plays produced by NIDA in association with bAKEHOUSE Theatre (and Talia M-K presents) as part of the NIDA KXT New Writers, New Works Festival.
The show surrounds a couple’s struggles to reconcile with their son, a competitive swimmer harbouring a rare identity-affiliated disorder.
It begins compellingly. Audiences can see nothing but a dark stage and the silhouette of a character slicing aimlessly at some ham. It’s the sound design by Ellie Wilson that drives this scene. The sound of meat tearing draws an undeniable intrigue before eventually settling into a more traditional dynamic.
The character is revealed to be troubled teenager Alexei. He is played by Josh Merten whose use of body language perfectly captures an uncomfortableness within the character.
The casting is strong across all roles. Kate Bookallil is an excellent choice to play Melissa, Alexei’s mother. Bookalil replicates the wit, charm and serious edge of a knowledgeable doctor with ease.
Melissa’s partner, a former Olympic swimmer named Robert, is played by Richard Hilliar. His role leans towards antagonistic, and Hilliar’s use of tone allows the character to be ignorant yet funny.
The direction, by Malouf and Charley Allanah, is grounded. Robert and Melissa are written as a real couple, and the acting remains grounded in reality through the entire play. The relationship between Melissa and Robert is very interesting. They play different roles in Alexei’s life, and they both seemingly want the best for their son. However, the play shows that intention does not always equal impact.
Every character takes turns at being the bad guy. They struggle to come to terms with what’s really ethical in the case of Alexei’s condition.
Malouf is dedicated to medical accuracy, and this shines through her often witty dialogue. Ian, played by Shan-Ree Tan, alongside Melissa, make constant references using medical jargon. The characters feel as if they were pulled out of the hospital and onto the stage.
Production design by Holden Jane Cohle supports this. The costuming does an excellent job of characterisation, and this is especially strong in the characters Melissa and Alexei.
The marble motif in the set creates a cold medical atmosphere. This, in combination with the wooden furniture, establishes that Alexei is from an upper-middle-class family.
Lighting design by Theodore Carroll is phenomenal, and there are many moments where the lighting is what draws emotion. In the second act, there’s a scene where Alexei sits under pale blue lighting. This, combined with Mertens’ subtle acting, creates a sense of impending doom and serenity all at once.
Despite the play’s many strong points, the decision to make Alexei’s condition a plot twist in the first act is questionable. This is because the first act makes continuous allusions to Alexei’s struggles being potentially due to being transgender.
Though this comparison is dialled back in the second act, Alexei is consistently shown to be a violent and angry character, which can unfortunately add to harmful stereotypes about transfeminine individuals. Though the references to transness are questionable, the research into Alexei’s disorder is clearly extensive and well-intentioned.
Regardless, First, Do No Harm is an incredibly unique and compelling play that is prepared to tackle the taboo. It will be exciting to see where Malouf takes her creativity next.
First, Do No Harm is presented by NIDA in association with bAKEHOUSE Theatre and Talia M-K presents. It runs to 4 July at KXT on Broadway. 181 Broadway Ultimo NSW 2007.
First Do No Harm is a part of the NIDA KXT New Writers, New Works Festival.
Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/first-do-no-harm
Website: https://www.kingsxtheatre.com/first-do-no-harm
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/kxt_bakehouse/ and https://www.instagram.com/firstdonoharmtheplay/
Photo credits: Laura Elaine
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