Observatory Theatre’s Octopolis, now playing at PIP Theatre, is an exciting and thought-provoking exploration of relationships, religion, and the very essence of being. Anchored by bold performances and sharp writing, Octopolis blends science, spirituality, and grief into a deeply human story told with wit and imagination. At its heart, it invites audiences to reflect on how we connect: to others, to ourselves, and perhaps even to something greater.
The play follows acclaimed behavioural biologist Professor George (Caroline Sparrow) as she mourns her late husband by closing herself off to all human interaction. She spends most of her time with her research subject and best friend Frances, a highly intelligent octopus. Their peace is soon disrupted by the tidal wave that is Harry (Dudley Powell), an ambitious anthropologist with a hypothesis to prove. He poses the question: does Frances believe in God?
Known for their inventive plays that go against the tide, Observatory Theatre once again dive deep with Octopolis. Written by experimental UK playwright Marek Horn, Octopolis premiered at the Hampstead Theatre in 2023. It now makes its Australian independent debut. Surprisingly, it is not Horn’s first marine-based play, with his other work, Wild Swimming (2019) and Yellowfin (2021) sharing similar themes.
There is an ocean full of talent among the cast and crew. Director Bronwyn Naylor expertly crafts the world of Octopolis. From a script with only dialogue and no stage direction, Naylor stimulates the audience’s imagination to create a play that flows swimmingly despite its disjointed timeline that flicks from past to future.
With the help of lighting and video designer Teddy Waddingham, they transport the audience into George’s messy, semi-aquatic university accommodation. Waddingham’s visuals bring Frances to life through their use of orange and blue lighting to represent the octopus’ complicated emotions.
Caroline Sparrow plays the snarky and crass George with a flurry of energy. She swings from sorrowful widow to impassioned professor with a fervour that brings many laughs from the opening night audience. Her performance contrasts Dudley Powell’s snobbish and hesitantly cheerful portrayal of Harry.
Playing a character who is used to being an unbiased observer, Powell brings great insight to Harry’s emotional turmoil. The delicate change in his demeanour from a socially awkward intruder to a caring friend is awe-inspiring. Powell’s thoughtful acting is as important to the production as Sparrow’s genius comedic timing.
Choreographer Sherri Smith coordinates some of the most memorable scenes. While most of the play is set in the past, there are a few dance breaks from the future that show the growth in George and Harry’s relationship. The opening scene, depicting future George and Harry dancing to David Bowie’s ‘Let’s Dance,’ is hauntingly beautiful. They move slowly and fluidly, reminiscent of being underwater. The more upbeat dances are met with a lot of cheering and audience excitement.
Octopolis is an intellectually riveting rom-com that deep-dives into the complexity of grief. It stirs a wave of emotion, guaranteed to spark both laughter and sorrow. Offering a captivating scientific lens on spirituality and what it means to be alive, this two-hander, eight-tentacled play is sure to sweep audiences off their feet.
Octopolis runs to 24 May at PIP Theatre, 20 Park Road Milton Qld 4064.
Tickets: https://piptheatre.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/142319
Website: https://piptheatre.org/octopolis/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/piptheatreau/ and https://www.instagram.com/observatorytheatre/
Photo credits: Geoff Lawrence, Creative Futures Photography
