Have you ever had an imaginary friend? Do you remember the first time you met them? Are they still around? These are just some of the questions that popped into my brain when I saw Primary Trust at the Ensemble Theatre in Kirribilli.
Primary Trust is a Pulitzer Prize-winning play written by Eboni Booth. It debuted off-Broadway in May 2023 with William Jackson Harper in the lead role. After its success in the States, it is now Australia’s turn to witness this heartbreaking yet hopeful play, under the direction of Darren Yap.
Meet Kenneth. A 38-year-old man who loves reading, drinking Mai Tais at his local haunt Wally’s, and his best friend Bert. After learning of the closure of the bookstore where he has worked for twenty years, Kenneth needs to find a new job. This would be a daunting task for a lot of people. But luckily, Kenneth has Bert by his side to guide him. The only problem is, Bert is imaginary.
As you enter the theatre, you are greeted by a wall of doors. They are all different colours, sizes, and designs. Set and Costume Designer James Browne cleverly uses these doors throughout the performance to identify where in small-town America we are. Whether it is opening the blue door to the bookstore or opening the double doors to Wally’s, it is a simple and effective way to ground the characters in the space.
The cast of four is outstanding. Albert Mwangi plays Kenneth as loveable, naive and in the depths of grief. It is a youthful portrayal of a man who has lost a lot in his life. He is broken, but hopeful. Whilst all reports say the character is lonely, Mwangi doesn’t play him that way. He has a lightness to him that makes his character so believable. A lot is asked of him, and he delivers impeccably.
Angela Mahlatjie is the sun shining on a winter’s day in this performance. Portraying a breadth of characters, she is a force to be reckoned with, providing comedic relief and an earnest character with Corinna. Peter Kowitz doesn’t disappoint with his infectious energy and comedic timing. As both Clay and Sam, he is a true showman. Charles Allen, who plays dear Bert, is warm and welcoming. He is the best friend that we all need in life, and his rapport with Mwangi is obvious.
Whilst the set may be simple, video projections are also used to help enhance some of the storytelling. As Video Designer, Cameron Smith creates beautiful moments with his black and white videos that capture the beauty of the characters. They are elegant and leave a lasting impression.
Another effect used is a sting or a blink of a television when it is on the verge of breakdown. It is a fascinating decision made by the creatives, as in previous productions, they have used just the sound of a bell. I think the colour wave of the television and then the blacked-out wall is more effective and expected, as there are glitches throughout the performance.
Primary Trust is a beautifully tragic play that touches on mental health, love, loss and the power that friendships play in our lives. Whether real or imaginary, friends are the family we choose for ourselves, and Primary Trust play portrays this beautifully. It can be confronting and a little heavy at times, but overall, it has real heart, and after you wipe the tears away, you are left feeling hopeful.
Primary Trust runs to 12 July at Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall Street Kirribilli NSW 2061.
Tickets: https://www.ensemble.com.au/shows/primary-trust/
Website: https://www.ensemble.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/ensembletheatre/
Photo credits: Prudence Upton
