Review: Tribes

Tribes by Nina Raine. Directed by Julian Meyrick. Set Design: Stephen Curtis. Costume Design: Louise McCarthy. Lighting Designer: Matt Scott. Composer/Sound Designer: Tim Dargaville. Cast: Alison Bell, Julia Grace, Brian Lipson, David Paterson, Sarah Peirse and Luke Watts. Melbourne Theatre Company. Sumner Theatre 4 February to 14 March. 

This production of Tribes is a fascinating and absorbing amalgam that examines the constricting heart of a dysfunctional family – EastEnders almost meets Eugene O'Neil. 
 

To begin with an apparently academic and artistic family gather for dinner in their dwelling – as designated by the use of the whole of the vast Sumner Theatre stage – suggesting minimalism and affirming the free thinking milieu of the residents. They seem to be able to talk about anything and do. 

What appears an enviable life-style, comes under considerable scrutiny when a stranger – a potential girlfriend for one of the two sons Billy, (Luke Watts) is introduced. 

Sylvia (Alison Bell) is a young lively and thoughtful woman rapidly losing her hearing – ‘acquiring deafness’. In befriending Billy, who has been profoundly deaf from birth she broadens his perspective by introducing him to deaf culture. This offers Billy an avenue for separation from his family to burgeoning independence.

In the ambivalent incongruity of this family’s brutal, emotionally manipulative life there are hints of affirming warm communality – particularly just before interval, when all are gathered around a baby grand piano, movingly played by Sylvia, a timeless image basked in warm beatific light.

The second half this complex work exposes subtext under subtext to a glimpse of what lurks beneath. The use of signing and surtitles provides insight into deaf language and accentuates cultural difference. The strength of sign language as the cornerstone of Deaf culture is illuminated.

Obviously a team effort, this production is generously managed by Director Julian Meyrick. Set, lights, sound design and costume come together in a rich tapestry of production elements that support, enhance and inform the whole. 

Meyrick has drawn strong performances from his cast, most particularly from Brian Lipsom and Alison Bell. Lipsom as Christopher the blustering yet assertive, calculating, manipulative and at times acerbic patriarch presents an energetic and focused performance. The charismatic Bell portrays Sylvia as a charmingly sincere independent young woman – who makes perfect sense.

The costuming by Louise McCarthy hints at quirkiness and is effective. Sylvia is dressed to glow with just the right clash of colouring between her dress and shoes.

Ms Raine's writing is uneven and at times the voice is naïve. The script mobilises ideological sympathies and antipathies in a way that seems didactic to the point of superciliousness.

Nevertheless, Tribes is shocking and strangely satisfying. It is deeply interesting to observe a group of sensitive creative characters maintaining a familial binding pattern, at all costs, despite the restrictions this imposes on each of them. It raises questions about why some families promote some individuals and hobble others.

One is left mulling over what, or which of the various difficulties experienced by the individuals and group are at the core of their dysfunction. 

Engaging, stimulating theatre!

Photo: Jeff Busby