Presented by Rock Surfers Theatre Company Presents
Reviewed 17 February 2015
If you stay awake nights wondering if ‘tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all, Caleb Lewis’ latest offering Destroyer of Worlds might help you to rest easy. This is sharp and shiny theatre, from a playwright so invested in his work, that you just might see him at each and every performance.
Phil Spencer and Rebecca Mayo star in this tale about romance, demons and human nature. “Phil”, “Bec”, and the other characters develop at a comfortable pace, leaving room for the seemingly disparate stories to gradually wind their ways towards each other.
Spencer and Mayo’s rapid transitions between characters are flawless, their interactions credible, and their timing exemplary. Projected images and tunes are well considered and interesting, and some inventive twists on theatrical techniques (perhaps fourth-wall-meets-teichoscopy?), escalates this from a good yarn, to a great piece of theatre. Lewis’ highly developed craft gives vast scope to the relishing performers and adds surprise, depth and witty contrasts.
The semi-autobiographical aspects intertwine craftily in a series of vignette-style historical snippets to create a refreshingly new type of play; one that’s as warm as his mum’s casserole and as innovative as Gemma O’Nions’s costume design. The wordless, bellicose breakup scene is a fabulous highlight.
Shades of Brecht underpin the Russian-doll construction leading to the ultimate consideration, “what if…?”. Lewis beautifully knits pathos, humour and numerous types of love, into a snugly-cardy-of-a-play, whilst successfully avoiding self-indulgence and the risk of being so clever the whole play disappears up itself.
The Cusack Theatre is the perfect size and atmosphere for this play, but at times, it felt like we were inside Nakajima’s Godzilla suit on a hot day; more ventilation please.
Cleverly leaving only the question of Lewis’ catharsis unanswered, Destroyer of Worlds is Fringe theatre at its best. Caleb Lewis and his collaborators are destined for greatness. See them while they are on our doorstep.
Reviewed by Gordon Forester
Twitter: @GordonForester
Rating out of 5: 4
Venue: Tuxedo Cat, Cusack Theatre, 54 Hyde St, Adelaide
Season: 13-28 February 2015
Duration: 60 minutes
Tickets: $18 – $21
Bookings: Book through FringeTix online or at a FringeTix box office (booking fees apply)
Image by Zak Kaczmarek
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