Wokingham Theatre’s unusual lyrical performance from down under

THINGS I Know To Be True, by Andrew Bovell, tells the story of an Australian family whose members appear to be very close, but whose relationships are fraying.

“Our reading committee loved this 2016 play, and felt it had to be included in the season,” says director Jeremy Radburn.

“It’s such an interesting and unusual piece, with a very accessible and beautifully crafted script.”

The play observes the Price family, whose four grown-up siblings gather in the parental home after one of them returns from a gap year in Europe.

“Each of the four is struggling with issues that their parents don’t know about,” continues Jeremy.

“But even when the parents do find out, they don’t know how to deal with their children. Their love is, at the same time, embracing and oppressive.

“It’s a very moving play, and we are surprised to find ourselves still very choked by the story, even after so many rehearsals.

“But there are points where it is really funny, too.”

The piece was created by the same UK theatre group, Frantic Assembly, that co-produced The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-time at the National Theatre.

The company employs movement and music to enhance clear storytelling.

“Things I know To Be True mixes naturalistic dialogue with their unusual lyrical movement style,” says Jeremy.

Things I Know To Be True is an unusual and lyrical performance at Wokingham Theatre

“We’re very lucky that Chloe Collins is choreographing the performance.

“She took a dance internship with Frantic Assembly, and really knows their style and work.

“Because she is so familiar with their process, she has been able to help our actors convey what is going on beneath the surface of the words.”

With the emphasis placed on the actors and their movements to reflect the difficult issues raised in the play, Jeremy is keen to preserve a simplicity on stage.

“Very early on in rehearsals, we realised that props didn’t support the story at all,” he explains.

“So we did away with props and furniture, keeping only the bare minimum.

“For the same reason, there is no fixed set, but the performance is instead beautifully enhanced by music for cello and piano, along with some very sophisticated lighting techniques.”

Things I Know To Be True is on the GCSE drama syllabus.

It can be seen at Wokingham Theatre from Thursday, March 16 through to Saturday, March 25, with the exception of Sunday.

Doors open at 7.45pm, with tickets available at £15.

■ For tickets and information, call the box office on: 0118 978 5363, or visit: www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk The event contains very strong language and adult themes.