Talented cast tell lockdown story
Transmission,
written by Stuart McKenzie, co-directed by Miranda Harcourt
BATS Theatre, until May 1
It’s surreal to watch a story based on something you were a part of. Most of the opening night crowd were in the team of 5 million that watched and waited anxiously in the execution of the level 4 Covid-19 lockdown.
You don’t often get that personal connection to the performance as an audience member.
Based on 20 hours of interviews with Jacinda Ardern, Grant Robertson and leading epidemiologist Michael Baker, these are their words – verbatim.
It’s done wonderfully, bringing together the extremely talented cast, writer and directors to present a story that is ours and theirs, giving insight to the people behind the public perception.
All those interviewed put a lot of trust in Harcourt and McKenzie, to share their time and stories. They did a brilliant and respectful job (with one exception for which I think McKenzie owes Ardern a better apology).
Much is shared but it’s good to keep in mind that this is recent, ongoing and involves people who were (and still are) in office.
The show begins with three actors discussing who is going to play Ardern. Tom Knowles and Tim Spite put up a good argument but it’s rightly Sophie Hambleton who triumphs. Knowles makes an excellent Robertson, and Spite seems made for the role of Baker.
Thus begins the sharing of insights, personal experiences and anecdotes, giving a glimpse into the humans behind the public faces. The use of mixed media at times evokes the feelings from lockdown. Is it getting worse? Is this working?
Journalist Mei Heron (Michelle Ang) joins on screen, discussing her experience with lockdown, adding that ‘‘there are traits of being a journalist that don’t make you a nice person’’.
At one point, Moira Sa’imoa (Lahleina Feaunati) descends from the audience, to accept her mother’s ashes from a socially distanced funeral director. Her beautiful song in Samoan brought tears and shivers.
This is the story of people, science, safety, looking after the vulnerable and walking the line of maintaining the public’s trust with the Government and ministry.