Witten by Dominic Witkop and directed by Garreth Cruikshank, Out of Fear is the first offering from the new Sydney-based Night Sky Theatre Co. This dark and enthralling play explores the complexity of mental illness and domestic abuse without holding back. Initially meant to be a one-man, one-act play, Witkop was inspired by real life occurrences of divorce ending in murder, saying “I wondered what circumstances could drive someone to commit these acts of vengeance”.

Trapped in his own world, Chris Miller portrays the mental unraveling of isolated father Travis, with a confronting intensity. Miller oscillates between hyper-aggressive, softly spoken and depressed, though quiet moments in his performance don’t last for long. Out Of Out of Fear is an engaging, and provocative play that isn’t afraid to be in your face. It tackles issues of men’s mental health, divorce and domestic violence, and Witkop has not shied away from portraying these themes with brutal honesty. This can be quite startling in the small space of the Tap Gallery, though it lends an authenticity and immediacy to the play that may otherwise be lost in a larger theatre.

At times Out Of Fear is confusing – we are never sure until the end of the play whether The Man (Matt Thomson) is a projection of Travis’ unhinged subconscious – a symptom of his delusions in the isolated reality he’s created for himself. It often seems as though The Man is a projection of Travis’ longing for stability and morality – and being a good father. Kayla Stanton is another stand-out of the trio, playing the intimidating and tumultuous Lara with gravitas.

The set is both bleak and visually rich; seemingly ad hoc relics of domestic life – the real television, phone, couch, table and lamp – contrast with the transient cardboard cut-out of a car and children’s toys strewn across one corner. The walls are messily papered with images of the Australian outback and desert, presenting a visible projection of Travis’ reality. These images are accompanied by poignant lighting and sound effects, and make for a very immersive experience into Travis’ world.

Overall it was a thought-provoking and intriguing production, with the smaller theatre making for a very intimate performance. Out Of Fear is a great introduction to independent Australian theatre, and not to be missed during the Sydney Fringe Festival.

Out of Fear is showing at the TAP Gallery Theatre until September 14. You can purchase your tickets now.