Archived: Earthquakes in London Review

A raw and intimate story unfolds, telling the tale of three daughters, a deceased mother and an absent father. Hosted in the Basement Theatre, ‘Earthquakes in London’ follows the changing generations across one family’s interlaced timeline. The seamless story of relationships, the future and our environment, touches every character’s life, creating a well-thought out and creative message for the audience. ‘Earthquakes in London’ sits appropriately against New Zealand’s environmental backdrop which debates the increasing pollution beside our ‘clean and green’ backyard.

Answering the most important questions we have to ask ourselves, the performance leaves a cemented impression that lingers long after the show has come to an end. Exploring the contemporary issue of population increase, in a way that compels the audience to confront the impact the ever-growing human race has on the environment.

The show’s leading roles featured two alternating performers who switched throughout the act. The actor’s seamless change contributed to the artistic flow of the storyline. The presence of the double cast created an echoing effect of characterisation and emphasis.

Music and lighting played a vital role in the production, inserting drama and focus onto the stage. The subtle movements and emotions created in the shadows added to the unique experience of ‘Earthquakes in London’. Whether it be a flirtatious caress of a character’s lapel or an underappreciated character learning to blow smoke rings, the background acting shaped a show that was alive and interactive.

The Actor’s Program has once again produced some fresh faced talent who impressed. Some stand out performances include the foul mouthed, not-so-family man Robert played by Niwa Sumich-Paul, alongside both Savannah Harris and Nadine Kemp who played the pregnant and petrified, middle daughter Freya.

The show was reflective of a present-day world, showing unexpected heroism layered on top of failures and weaknesses. The portrayals of emotion in ‘Earthquakes in London’ creates a memorable and moving show that is drenched in drama and hope. It raises relevant questions surrounding the effects of our existence and leaves you thinking about the issues at the heart of the performance.

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