The Effect tells that oft told tale of Boy meets Girl, Boy loses Girl, (Boy has psychotic episode over Girl) and finally ……!!! I won’t spoil it for you.
The set up of the play in intriguing- Connie and Tristan freely take part in a protracted medical trial for the development of certain antidepressants. Imprisoned to some extent in a sterile facility and constantly under observation they only see each other and their pill dispensing researching medico Lorna, she under the watchful eye of centre head Toby.
The first act I found quite an ordeal due to the heat inside the theatre, the repetition in the set up of the play and the diverse performance styles. However all comes clear and is saved in act 2 by a revealing piece of information, a thriller-esque shift in pace, and dazzling visuals in the design. Creatives Benjamin Freeman (composition/sound) Alex Berlage (Lighting), Brodie Simpson (Set & Costume) and Shondelle Pratt (movement) meld their talents successfully to create an alienating environment….. a chemical cocktail of sight and sound much like what must be surging through the veins of Connie and/or Tristan.
Much is discussed about the ethics of drugs trials and the responsibilities of medical practitioners but it is the will they/won’t they relationship of the our two volunteers that keeps you eventually interested. Director Andrew Henry does not seem to control the exposition in the text nor the performances in act 1. Thankfully act 2 plays out brilliantly as the over-playing of the young couple makes more sense. Does the textual weakness lie in award winning playwright Lucy Prebble’s writing?
The program notes say that The Effect is a study in love and neuroscience. It is indeed a very inviting theatrical construct, though not a fully successful in its execution. Much of the audience found it highly amusing at times which indicates to me that audiences will be very divided about this piece.
Mark G Nagle – Theatre Now
The Effect
Written by Lucy Prebble
Directed by Andrew Henry
18 April – 19th May 2018
Tue – Sat: 8:00 PM
Sun: 5:00 PM
Matinees: Sat 12 & 19 May 2pm
Venue: Old Fitz Theatre
Theatre Company: Fishy Productions in association with Red Line Productions
Duration: N/A
