Gold Santino’s production of Suburbia is an intense and exceptional immersive performance experience that takes the audience through the dark streets of North Melbourne and the dark stories that they have to offer. The audience of three sit in the back seat of a car while various performers drive us around, past houses, down dark alleyways, into empty lots and through parks.
On this journey, mysterious figures pass by and create unnerving and striking images that last only moments. With nearly no dialogue and a powerful and haunting soundtrack by Simone Gustafsson, the hour long car ride allows the audience to really take a look at what is happening on the streets around them. Every person who walks by, without realising it, becomes a part of the show – it is hard not to take on voyeuristic tendencies throughout the show and start imagining who these people are and what their stories are.
The seven performers are all exceptional to watch and their timing in getting between scenarios is highly impressive. Suburbia is a truly original and fascinating piece of art that is confronting, yet spellbinding to watch. While this season has sold out, one can only hope that the cast remount the show so more people can experience this truly brilliant piece of theatre.
BY MYF CLARK
