The Year of Magical Thinking

I saw this last night and agree with everything that has been said, except that I'd add 'real water' to the set details. I loved the intensity and beauty of the writing and the way it moved the narrative forward while interweaving recurring strands of meaning, symbols and images. Helen Morse did it full justice, creating such a real character - pedantic yes and controlling, but I empathised totally as she told of this period where she had no control over events. She brought all the turmoil of emotions and rationalisations to life so fully; her feelings that she had made her daughter a promise she couldn't keep, all the reactions and adjustment to her husband's death and the typical themes of things left unfinished seemed so real. She moved from reluctant acknowledgement of the physical reality and denial into despair and then a degree of lightness as she began to come to terms with what had happened, all so subtly and with perfect timing and control. One tiny 'slip' was woven in completely naturally. The little ironic touches of humour were welcome for relief but also helped so much to make her a more sympathetic character. Everything - set, lighting, contributed to make it a memorable experience and there was barely a flicker of movement from the audience throughout - spellbound, I suppose you'd say. The music was just wonderful, at times like a very faint sound-effect in the background, at times moving into a passage of melody, always just right for mood and volume. I loved it. The use of silence when she occasionally reached a high point of emotion was very effective too. I wish I could comment more expertly, but will say I was originally planning to see this in Melbourne and felt so lucky that this was coming to Perth. I'm really happy that so many country places in WA will also get the opportunity.