The City

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https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/events/past-events/theatre/2021/the-city.html

Date Reviewed: 25/02/2021

During these unprecedented times it can feel we are all going it alone. So, what better to restore your faith in humanity than a performance that seeks to demonstrate the interconnectedness of us all, no matter the struggles thrown at us. The City is just that show. Running for a limited 4 events on 25 and 26 February 2021, producers Oliver Wakelin and Christie Koppe have created a fantastically unique production which every audience member can find a piece of themselves in, and there is no better venue than the glorious and highly symbolic Sydney Opera House. 

The City utilises soundscape and pre-recorded voiceovers to convey the stories of various characters that inhabit the city, from separated lovers to scientists to arsonists daylighting as firefighters. The audio is of an excellent quality and invokes vivid emotions enabling the viewer to easily transport themselves to the world that character inhibits. 

Actors are utilised to give visual life to the audio in a way that is inoffensive and ensures the audio remains the predominant sensory impact for the viewer. Being largely interpretive, the complementary acting utilises the entire stage effectively. Unfortunately, many of the scenes included people seated or laying on the ground and due to the venue not offering tiered seating many of these scenes were obstructed. However, with the audio taking centre stage it is possible in these instances to simply listen.

Costuming and props were greatly limited however showed careful consideration. As an interpretive production, everything is open to analysis and for this writer the use of antique furniture played perfectly to the shared and lengthy history of person and place within Sydney.  

As we come out the other side of what appears to have been the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic and return to theatres, it is comforting to see new healthy and safety measures being enforced and the audience was sternly required to wear masks at all times.

The careful selection of visuals to accompany emotive and powerful voiceover and soundscape creates a production that offers an excellent backdrop for the viewer to reflect on the city they inhabit and their connection to those around them. Whilst there are no upcoming listed performances, The City should certainly be kept on any art enthusiast’s radar.