The Day the Sky Turned Black

‘The Day the Sky Turned Black’ is a 55-minute play, written and performed by Australian actor, Ali Kennedy-Scott, returning to her home country after theatre training in the UK, which was followed by an extensive tour of this show.
This Australian First is presented in the PICA Performance Space, James Street, Northbridge. Book through The Blue Room Theatre or PICA to get your tickets for $5 less than the standard Fringe World prices. The shows are nightly at 6.30 pm, the season runs until the 4^th February.
 
Three years ago, in February 2009, Victoria was ravaged by fire.

       A news reporter, with clipboard in hand, introduces us to several very different characters that live in the beautiful, northern Victorian bush. The inhabitants’ ages range from the 6-year old child, to the old dear in her eighties. We get to know their everyday life before the murderous fires race through the community.
       The locals – all played by Ali – talk us through their thoughts and experiences as the fire approaches, and again after the devastation. We learn how this tragedy has touched each family.
 

This is a very sad story, well observed, and under the direction of Adrian Barnes is beautifully enacted by Ali Kennedy Scott. Ali’s characterisation was most worthy of the awards that she won in Sydney and New York, her whole body embraced the personalities and spirit. Because this story was so well reported on TV and in the press, I found only the odd new piece of new information in the story, hence the resultant pace is a little slow and lacking punch.
The background music by Pat Wilson, of the Australian International Conservatorium of Music, was appropriately dramatic, although the level at which it was played was a little excessive. Joe Lui’s lighting was simple but effective.