Construction of the Human Heart

Romantic partners, who are also both playwrights, are placed in a very basic set with scripts in their hands, going through a moved reading. They, (Renée McIntosh and Andrew Hale), simply known as ‘Her’ and ‘Him’ are working their way through a pair of scripts. The central topic, the loss of a family member, is common to both drafts. They appear to be marrying the two versions together. Compromising and arguments ensue as to what the contents should be. As the story development continues, a voice over (Igor Sas) dictates the director’s notes and technical suggestions for the next scene.

Whilst the play progresses, they both become more distraught at what they are reading. Are they just superb writers intent on creating the best script ever? Honing it by acting out the characters, or is it actually a cathartic experience and are they truly tortured?

Another of Ross Mueller’ plays is ‘Ghost Writer’, this is also about an author and the death of a loved one. In ‘Ghost Writer’, whilst the script was sensitively written and each character beautifully portrayed, I felt that the true emotion between the characters wasn’t quite there. Here however the bonding is strong, loving, strained and at times comical. I much preferred this play.

This is the same team (possibly WA’s best) that last year gave us the outstanding ‘Oleanna’. They have excelled again. Renée and Andrew under the talented direction of Marcelle Schmitz give one of the most sensitive and heart-tearing experiences that I have seen for a while. Beautifully enhanced by Lucy Birkinshaw’s lighting.

Although more of a Moved Reading than a typical theatrical play, this is truly an emotional ride with which anyone who has lost a close family member will immediately connect. Fantastic.