Reviewed by Kate O'Sullivan
Ask is a profoundly moving exploration of family, spirituality, and connection to land, seamlessly blending time, relationships, and Aboriginal storytelling. With its emotive depth and breathtaking staging, the production invites audiences into a layered narrative that feels both intimate and universal.
While deeply rooted in a uniquely Aboriginal story, Ask resonates on a universal level, offering a heartfelt exploration of breaking cycles and reckoning with the past. The struggles depicted—whether tied to cultural identity, familial tension, or inherited patterns—are universally relatable. The impact of past actions on future relationships is a central theme, evoking a powerful sense of reflection among audience members, regardless of their own backgrounds.
The story unfolds through a beautifully structured interplay of time, revealing the evolution of familial relationships. The nuanced dynamic between the siblings—brought to life by Leah Pigram and Oliver Hughes—builds and transforms with heart-wrenching authenticity. Their performances capture the delicate balance between tension and love that defines family bonds, drawing the audience deeply into their journey.
Another powerful aspect of the narrative is its subtle yet poignant emphasis on matriarchal influence. The importance of women is interwoven into the story, highlighting their central roles without overshadowing the broader narrative. This presence adds depth to the storytelling, grounding it in a sense of heritage and continuity that complements the play’s themes of connection and legacy.
Central to the production is Jai Craig-Fraser as the Tree Spirit, a character embodying Aboriginal spirituality and grounding the plot in a profound connection to land and country. Craig-Fraser’s physicality, rooted in deliberate and reverent movement, is mesmerising. His presence anchors the story, offering a tangible link between the spiritual and physical worlds, and his performance ensures that the cultural essence of the play resonates powerfully.
Visually, Ask is stunning. The set immediately immerses the audience with its intricate root-like ropes suspended from the ceiling, evoking both the beauty and complexity of connection. These ropes serve not only as a striking visual element but also as a practical means for hiding and revealing props, adding a sense of magic and fluidity to the production. Lighting and projections further enhance the experience, creating a vivid contrast between the ‘real’ and ‘spiritual’ realms. Transitions, notably the use of the frame as a visual device, are executed with precision and contribute to the seamless flow of the narrative.
Costumes and makeup play a pivotal role in the storytelling, particularly in distinguishing the siblings from the Tree Spirit. The body makeup used for the Tree Spirit is a visual masterpiece, highlighting the character's otherworldly nature and the deep-rooted connection to the land. The performers' use of movement underscores these distinctions, with Pigram and Hughes shifting gracefully between portraying siblings and embodying elements of the world around them.
The soundscape, a key narrative tool, enriches the storytelling - every sound feels purposeful, enhancing the emotional weight of each moment and immersing viewers in the world of the play. However, a minor but recurring challenge in the performance was the occasional loss of dialogue due to falling inflection at the end of sentences or softer delivery in quieter moments. In an intimate production where every word carries weight, this proved to be a notable distraction at times. While it didn’t overshadow the emotional resonance of the piece, it did momentarily require the audience to focus on their ability to hear, rather than their immersion in the story.
Ask is a testament to the power of emotive storytelling, weaving together themes of family, spirituality, and identity with breathtaking artistry. It honours its uniquely Aboriginal roots while tapping into universal truths about cycles of pain, healing, and connection. Through its intricate details and powerful performances, it leaves audiences deeply moved and reflective, resonating long after the final bow.
Reviewer Note: Tickets for this review were provided by the theatre company.
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