Jail story pokes raw nerves

Impeccably produced and stunningly acted show throws light on troubling themes

Cellfish is an exceptionally well-executed production. Written by Miriama McDowell, Rob Mokaraka and Jason Te Kare, the work demonstrates the advantage of development, dramaturgy and investment — and it’s certainly come a long way from its first showing at Te Oro in Glen Innes.

Cradled in the capable hands of performers Carrie Green and Jarod Rawiri, the story follows the journey of Miss Lucy (a drama teacher and Shakespeare fan) who has been given a contract to work with a group of diverse prison inmates.

The two performers, with bitingly specific detail, portray all the characters with lightning-speed the galloping pace of an epic tragedy. The staging, set in a horseshoe-bend for the most part, is both functional and effective.

Miss Lucy is neither a victim, nor is she redeemed. Violence against women is a theme that manages, while teetering precariously on the precipice of regurgitated statistics, to narrowly avoid falling into crudely cut stereotypes — and this is Cellfish’s greatest strength.

Under Jane Hakaraia’s beautiful lighting and simple set, this is a story that blends comedy, tragedy and deeply personal stories. Woven together, it is a brilliant display of theatrical virtuosity and a rare chance to watch two extraordinarily talented actors show off their skills.