Presented by NightHawke
Reviewed 06 March 2014
Impact, created by Andy Davies, is a solo piece centred on a young army soldier after several tours; war, and natural disaster relief. The soldier presents as experienced beyond his years, questioning and traumatised, but lucid.
We are not told the name or rank of the man who stands before us; an interesting choice for such a personal story, and I found it initially difficult to engage as a result. However, as the tales unfold, a clearer picture is painted of the background of the soldier; his family, education, mates and his future dreams.
Davies does a solid job of contrasting the inane aspects of his previous life with the brutalities he’s experienced; a juxtaposition unable to be properly understood by those who have not been to war. It is challenging to portray the experiences of a real returned soldier and, if for no other reason, this is an ambitious play.
As a theatre piece, some aspects of this journey felt inconsistent however, Davies nailed the military at-ease stance (not as ‘at-easy’ as it sounds!), and utilised well his one prop, a letter from home. The use of civvies, ring, and non-regulation haircut contrasted well with the stark military stage props.
Advertised as “dark, somber, poetic yet insanely funny”, Impact ticks three out of four boxes. There were a few chuckles from a non-hostile audience, but this show is categorically not insanely funny, unless the definition has changed since the comedy I saw yesterday.
The show I attended ran for 45 minutes, not the stated 1 hour. With a bit more military precision, this brave piece could be worth a look. Alternatively, keep your ears open for Andy Davies’ next work, which I suspect, definitely will be.
PS Please Bakehouse Theatre, sort out the low but persistent noise of the fan closest to the tech booth or turn it off; it was wildly distracting to the performance in a space that is otherwise perfect.
Reviewed by Gordon Forester
Venue: The Studio, Bakehouse Theatre, 255 Angas St, Adelaide
Season: 06 – 08 March 2014
Duration: 1 hour
Tickets: $18 – $27
Bookings: Book through FringeTix online or phone 1300 621 255
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