The Effect cast on the new Auckland Theatre Company production about love and sexual attraction.
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Review by Varsha Anjali
REVIEW:
In Benjamin Kilby-Henson’s revival of Lucy Prebble’s thought-provoking play, two lovers fall for each other during a drug trial. But does love come from the head or the heart - and does it matter?
Thud. Thud. Thud. Thud. The drum of a racing heartbeat echoes with intensity at ASB Waterfront Theatre, where director Benjamin Kilby-Henson’s powerful and intimate re-upholstery of The Effect opened on Thursday night.
As the beating drum of the heart overwhelms two nervous characters on stage, we brace ourselves for confronting experience as we’re challenged to think about what defines the human experience.
Tristan, played by Jayden Daniels, and Connie, played by Zoë Robins.
Originally written by Lucy Prebble - executive producer and writer on the Bafta, Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning HBO TV series Succession - in 2012, the play follows Tristan (Jayden Daniels) and Connie (Zoë Robins), participants in a drug trial testing a powerful antidepressant.
As the emotional stakes rise, so do the ethical dilemmas faced by Dr Lorna James (Sara Wiseman) and Dr Toby Sealey (Jarod Rawiri) who are overseeing the trial. Prebble’s narrative challenges deterministic views of emotional well-being, emphasising the mystery and complexity of human connection.
Doubts arise about whether their attraction is chemically induced - and who truly holds control over the mind, love, or otherwise.
Tristan with Dr Lorna James, played by Sara Wiseman.
Under Kilby-Henson’s masterful direction, the choice of minimalist usage of props and set pieces galvanised the attention on the outstanding performances of all characters.
As the trial progresses, Connie’s heightened sense of hearing is intensified by Chelsea Jade’s sound design, which draws the audio closer and makes it more palpable. The pulsating, rhythmic score amplifies the tension as their doubts about their emotions intensify.
For two hours and 20 minutes, those in the audience resonated easily with the performance, often laughing and at times - myself included - welling up in tears.
Dr Toby Sealey holds a human brain. He's played by Jarod Rawiri.
Nearly half of all people in New Zealand will encounter mental distress or illness during their lifetime and around 10 per cent of Kiwis receive some sort of care for mental health already.
It may have been over a decade since Prebble wrote the play - but it stands the test of time and is as relevant as ever.
What: The Effect
Who: Auckland Theatre Company
Where & when: ASB Waterfront Theatre until May 11
Where to get help:
• Lifeline: Call 0800 543 354 or text 4357 (HELP) (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youth services: (06) 3555 906
• Youthline: Call 0800 376 633 or text 234
• What's Up: Call 0800 942 8787 (11am to 11pm) or webchat (11am to 10.30pm)
• Depression helpline: Call 0800 111 757 or text 4202 (available 24/7)
• Helpline: Need to talk? Call or text 1737
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111
