For nearly two decades, Massive Theatre has collaborated on plays with British actor Lennie James. It may seem an odd pairing – a little company in New Zealand teaming up with James, of Walking Dead and Line of Duty fame – but their latest collaboration, Half of the Sky, shows their relationship is one we're lucky to have.
James, in collaboration with the cast, has written a script that feels distinctly unique to New Zealand, our culture and our sensibilities. Half of our Sky revolves around three sisters, born years apart but their birthdays all coincide on the same week. As Nyree, Ruihi and Marika reunite at their father's old house to celebrate their birthday weekend, a sombre tone hangs unspoken between them; Nyree is dying from cancer and this is expected to be her last birthday.
READ MORE:
• British actor returns to help create Massive play about family
• Kura Forrester: One Half of the Sky
• Theatre review: The Wolves is a play with a good-natured bite
• Theatre review: A Fine Balance reminds us not to forget our recent past
It's a concept that could drown in grief and anguish but James' script is refreshingly funny, mining the secret history that exists between family members for all its comedic potential. His script finds a perfect balance between family reunion and family mourning, a welcome equilibrium sold by a powerful cast.
Billy T winner Kura Forrester dominates as Nyree, as she always does when she gets on stage. She is fast becoming a household name thanks to her comedic chops, but the way Forrester hides Nyree's suffering with a cheerful determination once again reiterates why she is one of our finest actors working today. Few could handle the dual emotions so perfectly and Forrester delivers a defining monologue on love that is one of the most serenely captivating stage performances I've seen all year.