OBSERVER: The Effect
Intriguing, thought provoking, intense – are some words to describe my thoughts after seeing Key Conspirators’ production of The Effect.
The opening was stirring with mirrored flooring giving the illusion of space, with a stark white light transforming the theatre into a hospital setting allowing the audience to be within the four walls from the beginning.
Well done to lighting designer Tom Vulcan and director Alonso Pineda for creating a unique, functional, interesting multi-level set.
The Effect, written by Lucy Prebble has metaphorical levels as well. Its main theme is about the effect of drugs altering mood, mind, behaviour.
Questioning whether the drug itself or the belief one is taking a drug can make significant changes, the ethics or responsibilities of those in the trial or those conducting it.
The play questions the experts who administer the trial and their biases towards those they know are on the placebo versus the drug, this along with romance, rebellion, betrayal means there is a lot in a ninety minute piece, I think too much.
Whilst the acting was good, with an obvious rapport amongst the cast, it was difficult at times to hear the quickly spoken dialogue, particularly that delivered by Damon Baudin (Tristan).
He was at times difficult to understand, yet his transformations and connections to the other actors made him the better of the four performers.
For an interesting look into the possible effects of a drug in trial, with a lot of ‘poetic licence’ The Effect has its merits, most notably for the use of staging.
Performed at Theatre Works.
Review by Elizabeth Semmel