How long has it been since you had a night out which had you on the edge of your seat, gripping on for dear life as you rode through a rollercoaster of thrills, kills, and deep, dark questions about how far you’d go for your family? Your ‘God’?
The answer is probably “A very long time, actually”, or, more likely, “Never” – unless you’ve been to some dark, twisted, fantasy theme park with questionable safety protocols.
But there’s no need to put your actual life at risk for this kind of experience.
All you need to do is go along and watch the vivid (and violent) Melbourne Theatre Company production of the award-winning “Is God Is”.
How can a play be so gripping and gruesome whilst also showing you a good time?
Well, here are five ways “Is God Is” is going to blow you away, in the best possible ways.
1. Violence and vengeance
“Is God Is” tells the vengeful and violent story of twin sisters Racine and Anaia and their cross-country mission of revenge.
When the twins discover the fire which left them with horrific injuries was the doing of their dead-beat dad, they are sent by their mother – their own ‘God-like’ figure – to destroy him. (Don’t worry, not a spoiler).
This sets off a series of events which reveals the carnage, chaos and (darkly) comic realities of intergenerational trauma. These wounds run deep, and this family is no exception.
It will have you questioning the moral complexities of what actions, events, memories and moments can justify violence? How and where does it start? And how and when does it end?
2. It’s like a movie, but better
This co-production with Sydney Theatre Company, premieres in Melbourne this June, and is coming to Australia off the back of multiple award wins.
The play has won the Relentless Award, in honour of the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, which rewards work that is challenging, relentlessly truthful, fearless and passionate.
Aside from its award-winning writing by Aleshea Harris, part of what sets “Is God Is” apart is that it calls upon tried and tested film techniques – whether it be chapter headings, slow-motion scenes or narration. But what makes this experience special, is that it is right here, live (or dead) in front of your eyes, with a truly unique performance every night.
3. Despite all this, you’ll still laugh
Somehow, the production still finds room for comedy.
Sure, that comedy may be dark, but the beauty in Harris’ writing is her ability to have you holding your breath, then laughing out loud the next minute.
The humour is found in the strong bond between the two leads, who’s modern banter reminds us of a sister, a cousin, a daughter, someone we all know.
The ensemble cast reveal the comic absurdity of the bleak ordinariness of everyday life and the mundane, coupled with bursts of heightened action.
There’s even comedy in the costumes. Chuck Hall, a lawyer character in the play has his outfit explained in Harris’ unique, observant style.
“He wears a shirt with a collar. Expensive. And a necktie, loosened. Also expensive. If one were to look below the desk, one would see that he’s wearing Bermuda shorts—not terribly expensive. Orange-ish. No shoes or socks on his feet.”
4. A Must-See Cast
“Is God Is” features powerhouse duo Henrietta Enyonam Amevor and Masego Pitso as the aggrieved sisters, who are supported and surrounded by a superb cast, all bringing their own cultural context to the production. A welcome change to the theatre landscape, this ensemble brings new energy, perspectives and local talent to a play that explores the nuances of Black American expression.
5. “Is God Is” totally rewrites the trope of the “Angry Black Woman”
The “Angry Black Woman”. We’ve seen it played, replayed and overplayed, and we’re over it.
“Is God Is”, however, turns this on its head and reclaims and rewrites what it means to be an “Angry Black Woman” and why. The twins don’t seek to just simply survive, but to right wrongs and demand justice – for themselves and their family.
The characters are crafted with complexity, and are cruel, but also caring (in their own way), and they’ll have you questioning why you ever accepted such basic and boring depictions of Black women in the past.
Tickets to “Is God Is” are on-sale now via Melbourne Theatre Company. The season runs from June 19 to July 15, with discounted tickets available for under 30s and some sessions offering audio described performances, Auslan interpretation or captions.
