Review by Rebecca Lynne of The Crash presented by Dugald Lowis
Presented as a collection of reflective monologues that blend into short interactions, this heartbreaking tale explores the complexities of love, life, and loss.
Staged as a verbatim piece, the story centres around a deadly vehicle accident. At the beginning, we learn about “Alex”, a misunderstood teen, and “Garry”, husband to “Anne-Marie”, and love interest of “Owen”. In the aftermath, we also hear the perspectives of a Police Officer, and “Rebecca”, a distraught mother.
According to Dugald Lowis, frontrunner of the show, the production was devised as a collaborative effort. Each of the performers brought a sincere charm to their characters and contributed beautifully to the sentiments of this affecting show.
Lowis performed as the passive yet expressive “Garry”. Truly shining in his final monologue, with a piercing gaze and captivating display of loss, he held the audience to attention as they soaked up his forlorn yet inspiring words. He ended the piece beautifully with a direct address of the audience, sharing an uplifting sentiment that will stay with you long after the show.
Opposite him, the performer who played “Alex”, a figure of today’s youth, monologues on the coming-of-age struggles of a young person. He talks about the hardships of figuring out your identity and facing the reality of a life beyond high school. In wonderfully performed humanising moments, he played the role of the misunderstood teen to great effect.
Throughout his monologues, “Owen” explores the taboo of loving someone who’s not available. The performer’s heartfelt narrations of sweet moments with “Garry” were only further emphasized by bouts of longing eye contact and gentle smiles shared between the pair.
The exasperated mother and wife, the character “Anne-Marie” provided a very welcome emotional juxtaposition to the sweetness of “Garry” and “Owen”. The performer artfully built a tangible tension between her and Lowis, that exploded in the controlled yet impactful way of a burnt-out woman.
Evidently, the original actor for “Police Officer” and “Rebecca” had unfortunately caught covid, so assistant director and understudy, Rosie, had stepped up to read for those parts. Despite having to hold onto a script for her parts, she held herself well as part of the ensemble, especially excelling during an intense accusatory scene as “Rebecca”. In fact, reading from the script almost suited her “Police Officer” scene, as if the character was reading a pre-written statement.
Unfortunately, the identities of the rest of the cast or any other collaborators remain mysterious. There weren’t any programs or production information available online or otherwise. However, it seems this was a student-led production formed by current acting students of QCGU.
Verdict: Although a tragic story, it was truly a pleasure to watch.
Audience Tip: Arrive early for a bev at the bar before you head in, and stay for a chat after – the cast are quite friendly! And try to sit toward the front as the background music of the bar area tends to bleed a bit into the performance space.
When: 7-13 May 2022 (one show left!)
Where: EC Venue – 17 McLachlan Street, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane QLD
Cost: $30 per person
