PIP Theatre is partnering with A Moveable Theatre and Amanda McErlean to present the explosive and timely drama, The Children. Powered by talented actors and clever writing, The Children depicts the emotional impact of nuclear energy. This contemplative and compassionate play, written by esteemed Olivier Award-winning playwright Lucy Kirkwood, invites audiences to reflect on the very real possibility of nuclear power coming to Australia.
Exploring an incredibly real event, The Children is inspired by the 2011 Fukushima crisis in Japan. This saw more than 200 pensioners over the age of 60 selflessly volunteer to stabilise the nuclear plant. They hoped to replace the younger workers and protect them from suffering the long-lasting effects of radiation. The Children is a timely reminder of the dangers of nuclear energy and the responsibility everyone has to future generations.
The Children premiered in London at the Royal Court Theatre in November 2016 and travelled to Broadway a year later. Its many performances across the globe are evidence of its growing relevance. In 2019, The Guardian placed The Children third on its list of the greatest theatrical works since the year 2000.
The play centres on retired nuclear scientists Hazel (Julia Johnson) and Rob (Terry Hansen) who have experienced a terrifying disaster at their nearby power plant. Their attempt at recovering their normal lives is stopped by their surprise visitor and past colleague, Rose (Amanda McErlean). During her stay, Rose awakens hazy memories of the past and brings a frightening possibility for their future.
The opening scene sees Rose silently staring out into the audience while her nose bleeds slowly down her face. With her arms by her side, she makes no movement to clean it up or stop it. She seemingly just accepts the bloody nose as her fate.
In many ways, this is an insight into the restless calm façade that McErlean uses to portray Rose. She plays the empathetic and cunning character with an introspective and guilt-driven hesitancy. It is through bursts of impassioned energy that we see McErlean act out Rose’s selfish desires. Her last-ditch attempts to reconcile her life.
This contrasts well with Johnson’s bubbly and frantic portrayal of Hazel. The complexity in playing the over-involved mother, scorned lover and smart physicist is a testament to Johnson’s superb talent. While her resentment initially comes out in snide comments, Johnson successfully builds to the well-deserved outbursts that make Hazel relatable.
Hansen plays Rob, a typical Aussie bloke and scoundrel, with surprising sincerity. His extensive experience in stand up comedy helps to bring a roguish charm to the character. For his first time back on stage in twenty five years, Hansen’s performance is heart-warming and honest.
Award-winning director Heidi Gledhill expertly navigates the play’s serious topics in a way that is engaging to watch. Gledhill tackles ideas of generational duty with familial sincerity and scientific precision.
Helena Trupp’s masterful stage design transports the audience into an authentic seaside cottage. For a prop-heavy play on a small-scale stage, Trupp skilfully uses the space to create an intimate and cosy setting.
Lucy Kirkwood makes big issues like capitalism and climate change seem personal in her writing. In The Children, she challenges audiences to look beyond themselves and question why we are letting past mistakes carry into the future.
Playing for a limited time at PIP Theatre, The Children is an explosion of insightful and intelligent ideas. Prepare to be knocked off your feet and blasted into this dystopian reality.
The Children runs to 21 June at PIP Theatre, 20 Park Road Milton Qld 4064.
Tickets: https://piptheatre.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/142240
Website: https://piptheatre.org/the-children/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/piptheatreau/ and https://www.instagram.com/amoveabletheatre/
Photo credits: Kris Anderson
