It is rare to walk away from a theatre piece feeling such a range of emotions but being unable to define any one of them, but that is exactly what Independent Theatre has achieved with their production of Ordinary People. Though it explores the ideas of grief, loss, suicide and marital conflict, it is not an outright sad piece, nor is it happy, nor does it make you feel the weight of the world, nor does it approach these themes lightly and gently. It is a refreshingly honest, raw and beautiful production that just makes you feel.
The script, adapted by Nancy Gilsenan from Judith Guest’s novel of the same name that has also been adapted into a screenplay, is a thoughtful and moving piece that, in the hands of seasoned director Rob Croser, has turned into a carefully paced and natural depiction of a family navigating grief and a boy trying to find his place in the world after attempting to take himself from it. Croser ensures that every emotional beat is hit and that his well-assembled cast portray the full spectrum of reactions to grief, from stepping on eggshells to closing oneself off.
Callum Logan is phenomenal as the lost and guilt-ridden protagonist Conrad. He gives a measured performance and expertly portrays the fatigue caused by both the effort of putting on a normal front and by the people in his life tiptoeing around him. Logan draws you in as you try to understand this boy who is picking up the pieces of his life, and then shocks you with the explosive moments where he lets out what’s eating him up, delivering these with passion and pain. Logan’s performance earned him a well-deserved round of standing ovations from an emotional opening night audience.
Lyn Wilson and Fahad Farooque are well-matched as Conrad’s parents, showing two vastly different responses to the their son’s struggles and capturing the tension of this household. Wilson nails the walled-off Beth while Farooque confidently explores the complex psyche of a father trying to keep the peace between his wife and son.
Steven Turner’s Dr Berger was a highlight as the psychiatrist with a kind yet refreshingly blunt approach. Turner presented beautiful insights on grief as he found charming moments of humor, and his brilliant chemistry with Logan made every therapy scene highly captivating.
The cast was well-rounded out by Olivia McAdam as Conrad’s breath-of-fresh-air love interest Jeannine, Ryan Kennealy as the well-meaning Lazenby, Oscar McLean as the bully Spillman, Cleo Barker as Conrad’s friend from hospital Karen, and David Roach as both Coach Salan and Ward Butler. All played their parts skillfully and represented different parts of Conrad’s journey through grief and self-acceptance.
The set design by Roach, Chris Gilbert and Mal Corkhill perfectly represented the bleak “box” Conrad felt he lived inside and the scene transitions were swift and smooth. Luke Bartholomew’s and Tim Sekerin’s subtle but effective lighting elevated the emotional beats of the show.
This is an unmissable production by Croser and Independent Theatre that explores a range of complex themes without assuming to have the answers to anything, and instead offering up a performance that feels real, raw and honest.
