‘34 Scenes About The Weather’ was moving.
’34 Scenes About the Weather’, from emerging independent theatre collective Lunch Friend was a compelling and engaging evening of performance that showcased the talent and diversity of Brisbane writers.
Presented at the Paint Factory, Yeronga in an outdoor Amphitheatre as part of the closing weekend of Anywhere Festival. The work utilized the seemingly mundane subject of weather to draw together a series of disparate faces each categorized by a particular type of weather pattern – from the stifling heat and humidity of a Brisbane summer, hail and the threat of a written-off car, torrential rain, windy days and a cool pleasant day.
Exploring a variety of relationships ’34 Scenes About the Weather’ used wind, rain, sun and more to highlight the ways in which we connect over weather – it forces us together when we need to shelter from the rain, it creates a common cause for complaint, it generates intimacy and also forces people apart.
Ranging from the realistic to the absurd, highlights included the opening eulogy that moved from the ridiculous to the touching, a man slurping rainwater as it dripped from the ceiling, a connection and honouring of earth and more.
There were scenes that felt polished and crisp, but also those that dragged for a beat too long. It felt like the work reached its natural conclusion and then kept moving. It may have benefited from a tightening of the storytelling, condensing the show for a tighter and more organic ending.
Performed by an ensemble cast of four – Eliza Allen, Harrison Paroz, Jordan Stott and Grace Teng – each performer adeptly handled the material and were given their individual moments to shine. Ensemble work lacked some precision, particularly in physical movement elements, but these were still enjoyable in their sense of playfulness and exuberance.
Design was simple but effective. Lighting and sound were limited, by virtue of the outdoor setting, but the use of a Weather Machine to create thunderclaps, breezes and more was clever, humorous and an excellent use of the ensemble. The show also featured an original new song from Brisbane singer-songwriter Bee-Bee Riot.
In conclusion, it will be exciting to see the work that Lunch Friend continues to produce as an exciting new collective with a dedication to supporting new writing.
‘34 Scenes About the Weather’ performed until May 21st as part of Anywhere Festival. For more information visit their website.
Photos by Alex Riley
