The audience is led through the raked seating, up the stairs, across the stage and into the cramped backstage of Holden Street Theatre’s venue, The Arch. The space left for the performers is limited to about two square metres.
The intimate show is just half an hour, a one-act play by Neil LaBute that follows John (played by Eddie Morrison) and Sue (played by Chelsea Evans) as the story of their relationship and romantic road trip turns violent. Lisa Waite constructs a complex performance with just the two actors, one amusing prop in the form of a remote control car, and voice recordings which alternate with the live dialogue.
The performances of Morrison and Evans are strong; with consistent accents, good physicality, and emotive expressions. At first, the Mormon couple are endearing and the audience is drawn into their anticipation for an amazing night at their Church’s youth ball. However, the plot quickly morphs, in its second half, to the vivid recollection of a hate crime against a homosexual man. The murder is swift, shocking and graphic in its description. Morrison is particularly compelling in this part, but both actors convey the subtlety of the script — including questions of John’s sexuality and whether Sue’s sympathy and kindness extends only to those she considers worthy.
A Gaggle of Saints is an exceptional play, delivered well by Colourwheel Productions at Holden Street Theatres. It will leave you thinking for days after the final bow.
