The Eternity of the World (Parts Missing)

I believe words are just not quite enough to describe this exhibition.

Arriving to the Bondi Pavilion Gallery, as part of Bondi Feast, I truly didn’t know what to expect from brother and sister duo Kerith and Tobias Manderson-Galvin from MKA: Theatre of Writing. 

Entering a white room, filled with limited props and very bare surroundings my mind was even more puzzled as to what was about to happen. An immersive conversation between the two siblings broke out, as if we as spectators were not there.

In drama there is a fourth wall – ultimately this is the wall that should not be broken when it comes to acting. This wall however, was definitely stepped over as the audience became apart of this postmodern number. We were taken out of our comfort zones, encouraged to move around and even asked questions to which audience members would reply hesitantly into the microphone. We were then told of different scenarios whilst the two recited from loose papers contemplating of course, the eternity of the world. We became well and truly connected with the Manderson-Galvin duo.

My mind raced as I tried to figure out what was being acted, recited and invented in the moment. What I loved about this performance was the element of time that was perfectly executed throughout the exhibition. Past, present and future events and thoughts were constantly brought back with flashbacks of fond childhood memories evolving effortlessly around the theme. Described as a ‘black mass, a misremembering and a disappearance act’ it was exactly that.

My plus one and I were constantly on our seats anticipating what might happen next, especially when the addition of blind folds and dimmed lighting was added for you know, effect. People left, others intrigued, waiting anxiously for the next momentous act to be played out.

One line that stayed in my mind long after the performance ended was ‘People are always looking forward, but are they seeing forward?’. This performance is truly one that must be seen to be interpreted – I can’t wait to see what this dynamic duo bring to the table in their future performances.

-Caitlin
When she’s not globetrotting Caitlin Martin loves to scope out Sydney’s hidden gems, with a camera and coffee in hand. Follow her adventures @caitlineliseeee