Reviewed by Kate O'Sullivan
Murdoch University’s third-year theatre students took on Scenes from the Climate Era, David Finnegan’s powerful piece on climate change and its impacts on everyday life. The script, carefully crafted to reflect the urgency and nuances of current climate issues, was originally staged at Belvoir Theatre in 2023, making this performance one of the first regional adaptations. Through a sequence of thoughtful vignettes, the cast skillfully brought to life both the anxieties and complexities surrounding the climate crisis, and they should be applauded for tackling such a challenging and timely work.
The choice of all-white costumes lent a cohesive and almost dreamlike quality to the ensemble, underscoring the sense of unity and shared responsibility in addressing climate issues. While this design choice enhanced some scenes beautifully, it occasionally led to a few moments where actors blended into the similarly white, minimalist set. Introducing small, unique costume touches or even some accent work for individual characters could have helped clarify transitions, particularly with actors juggling multiple roles. The addition of a simple prop, like the hat used to indicate a farmer character, was an example of how easily recognizable elements could enhance character differentiation and audience understanding.
With a minimal set consisting primarily of a few chairs, the production achieved a modern, open aesthetic that allowed the cast and story to take centre stage. This simplicity, however, brought some logistical challenges, as scene transitions required chairs to be moved on and off, sometimes slowing the pace of the fast-moving script. Exploring smoother transitions or incorporating flexible staging could add even more fluidity to future performances.
The cast, originally intended as a smaller ensemble of five, was expanded to include nine actors, which brought both unique strengths and challenges. While some actors had more opportunities to take on some larger roles, others seemed underutilized in comparison. Nonetheless, each cast member brought commitment and energy to their roles, especially given the script’s technical vocabulary and layered themes. Vocally, there were some projection differences, with some actors finding a softer balance while others delivered their lines with great strength, sometimes to the point of bordering on too much for the intimate space. The initial movement sequence, leading the audience from an outdoor space into the performance area, was engaging and atmospheric, though it led to some brief audibility issues as the audience and actors moved. Despite these minor adjustments, the performances were commendable, and the final scene, bathed in red light, showcased the cast’s ability to evoke stillness and shared emotion, making for a striking conclusion.
The lighting design made creative use of “pools” of light, effectively drawing focus to various parts of the stage and adding an immersive quality. While the lighting created some beautiful moments, there were instances where actors unintentionally stepped out of these lit areas. Minor adjustments to blocking could easily resolve this, allowing the lighting’s full potential to shine through. The integration of projection, meanwhile, was a fantastic addition, bringing dynamism to the stage and providing seamless visual transitions that enriched the storytelling.
Overall, Scenes from the Climate Era presented by Murdoch University Theatre students was both a thoughtful and inspiring adaptation. The production balanced impactful themes with engaging performances and technical creativity. With a few small refinements, this piece holds the potential to make an even greater impact on audiences, leaving them with much to reflect on regarding the climate conversation and our collective future.
Reviewer Note: Tickets for this review were provided by the theatre company.
Comments