‘Depth and soul’ in tale of family get-together

In a scene from Beachfront Reality, opening tonight at Evolution Theatre, are from left Andrew Stevens as Peter Elwood, Bea Fawcett as Zoe Ripley and Alyx Findlay as Aimee Elwood. Picture by Jaeda Mapu

Beachfront Reality, the new play by local writer Susan Partington, will have its world premiere tonight at Gisborne’s Evolution Theatre.

Director Danielle Siata said it was a huge change from her role directing the Jersey Boys  show last year.

“It’s a much smaller cast where we can focus on just acting and the characters’ development to really give this story depth and soul.”

Beachfront Reality is set in a small, coastal community in New Zealand. It tells the story of a family who gather for a classic Kiwi Christmas at the family bach. However, this year the time is marred by the loss of one parent and the mental decline of the other. Two sisters must decide if they will keep the bach or put it up for sale.

Severe weather events threaten the much-loved old place, and the family have to make peace with letting go of the bach that has been in their family for generations.

The play explores the breakdown of the environment and the family with humour and heart.

Being friends with the playwright, Siata felt very fortunate to be trusted to bring the words to life through her own vision for stage.

“I have a wonderfully talented cast who have worked hard every rehearsal while also having some great laughs along the way.”

“We’ve had our tech rehearsals and the sound and lighting look fabulous and it complements our beautiful set designed by Dinna Myers and Andrew Stevens.

“The audience can look forward to a confronting but heart-warming Kiwi story about a family facing life’s challenges.

“What I like most about the play is that it’s relatable, it’s current and it tackles real life issues in a way that makes you feel like you could be watching your own family or your friends.”