The Events, Silo Theatre

Art should disturb the comfortable and comfort the disturbed. Cesar A Cruz

There is little more fracturing to society than senseless and seemingly random acts of violence by either groups or individuals. These events leave the victims, their families and the wider community with questions that are hard to answer and grief that is hard to resolve.

Playwright David Grieg’s latest show The Events, produced by Silo Theatre, is currently being staged at Q Theatre in Auckland, inspired by, but not based upon, the Norwegian massacre by Anders Breivik, whom Norwegians often prefer to refer to as ‘The Boy’ rather than using his name.

The Events stars Tandi Wright as Claire, a liberal priest and choir leader, in the wake of a shooting in her church as she asks, “how can I hate him if I don’t understand him?” Many in her position would not seek such an answer, preferring instead to label, or hate, without a second thought.

The answers are not easy to come by, as she goes on a complex journey with The Boy (Beulah Koale), The Politician, The Friend,  The Father and Claire’s partner – all played by Koale. It provides fascinating perspectives — even ‘monsters’ have families and personal struggles, even victims are misunderstood.

The production is simple and stripped bare, giving the material a great impact. Koale’s magnificent physicality and versatility makes each character he plays unique and easily identifiable, without his ever leaving the stage or changing costume. The connection between the two actors is electrifying, and the grim subject material is given texture with the use of irony, humour and music.

Song is often used in the wake of tragedies, to bind communities together, and show hope and solidarity. Each performance of The Events features a different choir, which adds spontaneity and personality, inspired and led by musical director Robin Kelly. Each choir have rehearsed the songs in the show, but have not read the script, and only come together with the cast and director on the night of their performance.

David Greig has been described as one of the most interesting and adventurous British dramatists of his generation. The Events certainly provides much food for thought. It’s an energetic, confronting, engaging story.

Tandi Wright is a familiar face on stage and screen – TV’s Shortland St, Nothing Trivial,  Netflix’ The Returned and Silo Theatre’s When The Rain Stops Falling.

While this is Beulah Koale’s debut at Silo Theatre, his credits include TV’s Shortland St, Harry,  feature film The Last Saint, Massive Company’s Havoc In The Garden and The Brave, Black Faggot and ATC’s Sons.

The Events is highly recommended and runs until September 26 in Auckland. Click here for more details.