Fearless is an evocative, well-crafted, well-choreographed production. The exploration of uncomfortable emotions such as anger, confusion, despair, loneliness, bitterness, insignificance and sadness reveal underlying hurts and evoke emotional reactions. Questions are asked, such as: “Where did he go, the fresh-faced kid in the photo?” There is much swearing, suited to the topic of anger and hurt, about which it is asked: “Why do you swear all black words with no colour inside?”
In portraying the recognisable characters such as Gizmo, a chronic gambling addict, the cast make themselves vulnerable and courageously share painful feelings. They are aided by the accompanying music, shaded beautifully to suit what is happening on stage.
References are made to the unhelpful comments sometimes made to people overwhelmed by painful feelings. It is demonstrated that sitting together, respecting and listening to another without trying to fix a problem can actually be comforting.
Carlotta tells of the PMA (Positive Mental Attitude) that helped her. Christa Hughes superbly handles the leading role in which she relates to all the characters, sometimes provoking them and sometimes showing empathy by focusing on the storyteller and responding with a gentle touch or movement.
I found that to listen, really listen, to feel what the characters were saying, made me vulnerable too. “Step up and be fearless” they sang. I don’t have to be afraid of being vulnerable. It was a great experience to have my heart touched. Thank you, Milk Crate.
Congratulations to all involved in the production: Mirra Todd, playwright and director; stage manager, Asha Watson; set and costume designer, Dylan Tonkin; Owen Gill, Michael Godlee, Ray Morgan, Wayne Schmidt and Bridget Wood (ensemble); associate artists Sean Barker, Russell Kiefel, Christa Hughes and Sarah Woods; and musicians Daryl Wallis, Ben Fink and David Manuel.
