Baby Luna is alone. Her parents are junkies, incapable of looking after her. They let her get sick, and now she’s in state care. Her grandmother Cindy is hovering close by, intent on adopting Luna to save her from harm. Social worker Caroline is struggling to do what is right, and is beginning to lose herself along the way.
Rebecca Gilman’s Luna Gale is a classic American drama full of twists, turns and questions on morality and humanity. It is a gut-wrenching addition to the Ensemble Theatre’s 2018 season.
Within minutes we’re reaching a judgment about Karlie and Peter, the uncaring drug-addled parents who mustn’t love their baby. But within a few more minutes, Gilman shatters everything we thought we knew, and we must shift our judgements onto a new platform. These characters aren’t who we think they are. This is Gilman’s brilliant structure that keeps us enthralled throughout.
Georgie Parker delivers a convincing performance as Caroline, worn scarily thin by her emotional investment in her work and an infuriatingly smug boss. Lucy Heffernan is a brittle Karlie, but finds subtlety and vulnerability in unexpected places. Michelle Doake as end-of-days Christian extremist Cindy is skin-crawlingly good. The shift we see in her character is utterly convincing. The whole cast deliver complex performances marred only by slight troubles with the accent from a few.
Designer Simone Romanuik must be applauded. The set is a surprise, with sliding panels used to reveal key pieces that indicate place. A simple thing but hugely effective.
Susanna Dowling’s direction of this compelling piece of theatre is nuanced and incredibly detailed. Luna Gale is a confronting, morally complex piece of work that will undoubtedly cause us to reflect on our own morals and judgements. Indeed, the foyer was electric with conversation afterwards.
Apart from one distracting subplot, Gilman’s play will hold you until the end, thanks to a brilliant realisation of her script. Don’t miss this one.
All photos are by PHIL ERBACHER.
Alana Kaye – Theatre Now
Luna Gale
Rebecca Gilman
7 Sep – 13 Oct 2018
Venue: Ensemble Theatre
Theatre Company: Ensemble Theatre
Duration: Approx. 2hrs 10mins (including interval)
