Indigenous theatre is often typified by a deep spiritual connection to Country, the Dreaming and the Ancestors, and enriched by song, dance and powerful symbolic imagery. In John Harvey’s superb play, Heart is a Wasteland, presented by Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company, all of these tropes are skilfully employed to create a theatre experience that is equal parts humour and pathos, redolent with sexual tension and infused with mystery and spirituality.
Clare Fermo plays Raye, a sexy, spirited country and western singer who is trying to outrun a few demons while pursuing her passion for music. Maitland Schnaars plays Dan, a miner estranged from his community who becomes her lover and carries some hefty demons of his own. They hook up and embark on a four-day fling as they travel to Alice Springs via Coober Pedy, in the process sharing good times, a passionate physical connection and more than a little vulnerability.
Harvey’s script skilfully weaves a light romantic comedy with deeper, darker undertones of loss, alienation and the impact of colonisation. Outback Australia is a significant and powerful backdrop to their love story, with some stories of its own to tell.
Raye speaks of the travesty of nuclear testing in Maralinga, and its impact on the people and the land, and castigates Dan about his choice to work in mining. They both dream of land and spirits, and each is haunted by visions of a young boy. The crow is a potent symbol that evokes a sense of foreboding and death.
In amongst this rich spirituality and symbolism is a spicy love story, with dialogue that bites, caresses, thrusts and pops. Schnaars and Fermo have great chemistry, and sensitive direction by Bobbi Henry and Schnaars depicts their physical relationship with nuance and restraint. There are no kisses or explicit moments. Instead, a simmering sexual tension plays out through dance and body language.
Fermo’s performance is beautifully authentic and full of attitude; she’s sassy, sultry, biting and passionate. As a counterpart, Schnaars brings an understated humour, depth and vulnerability to his portrayal of Dan. He’s at his best when he delivers the powerful spoken word poetry that evokes the dreaming and darker unconscious forces at play.
This is accompanied by striking multimedia images by Mia Holten that beautifully evoke the ancient dreaming and country they inhabit.
The set design by Eilish Campbell is clever and effective, evoking the desert, the pub and the dreaming with a few simple components. Skilful lighting design by Lucy Birkinshaw enhances the magic, mysticism and rich symbolism of the play.
One of the highlights is a beautiful movement piece between the two lovers. Choreographed by Jacob Lehrer, the dance takes us on a journey through their playful courtship and passionate sensuality through the push and pull of sexual tension. It explores the complexity of adults trying to find connection despite the ghosts that haunt them.
This is a solid effort by Yirra Yaakin, with most of the theatrical components working together in harmony. The only disappointment was the songs. Great compositions and lyrics by Lydia Fairhall would have given The Waifs a run for their money…if only Fermo had sung in tune. Her voice is strong in lower register but sadly loses its way on the high notes. Some subtle sound support could help smooth these moments.
Without strong vocals, the illusion of the talented country singer is diluted. Yet what Fermo lacks in vocal skills, she more than makes up for with her considerable acting chops, powerful presence and bucketloads of charisma.
The Heart is a Wasteland is a rich story about love, loss and longing, set against the haunting beauty of Country and the enduring presence of the Dreaming.
John Harvey’s masterful storytelling, supported by a talented creative team and compelling performances, delivers a theatrical experience that is both grounded in Indigenous tradition and boldly contemporary. The production resonates with emotional truth and artistic integrity, leaving audiences with a sense of hope, warmth and deep connection.
Heart Is A Wasteland by Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company runs to 1 November at Subiaco Arts Centre, Main Auditorium. 180 Hamersley Road Subiaco WA 6008.
Tickets are available here.
Website: https://yirrayaakin.com.au/production/heart-is-a-wasteland/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/yirra_yaakin
Photo credits: Jessica Wyld
