Opening night performances are not meant to be flawless. Performers should be ironing out their characters, finding their voice and hoping the lighting and sound technicians respond to the secret language of the actors brave enough to shed their skin before a fresh audience.

A full house at Space Theatre had their fears of first night jitters eased when the sparse yet engaging set was illuminated with lighting which would become a silent partner in a tale the audience are privileged to be a silent partner. This is a work that somehow delivers a play mired in historical references, psychology and literature with cracking humour. Comedians take note, nuanced dark humour lands perfectly when delivered by actors with lived experience and finely honed acting chops. This is the key to the power of No Strings, the writers and directors allow the performers to tap into the dark and uncomfortable spaces disabled artists often feel afraid to amplify.

Bolstered by powerhouse performances, this play does not ignore the stark reality of an unquiet mind. Pitch perfect monologues are beautifully timed with set design  that feels like a jolting embrace.  As if to mimic the shockwaves when our minds play cruel tricks.

The narrative is not as important when the actors are as tight and delivery as polished. There are tales to be uncovered within this play and profound existential questions probed. In the hands of other creatives, this sounds like a recipe for a pretentious nap time.

Fear not, as this show will gently unsettle the masses, comfort the lonely, and prove once again that disability is not a barrier, mental illness is not a burden and storytelling can change lives.

5 stars

Emily Hutchinson

Ark Space Theatre 3-5 September
Tickets: https://premier.ticketek.com.au/Shows/Show.aspx?sh=AFCARK26
DIRECTOR Paulo Castro
WRITER JW Smith
LIGHT DESIGN Mark Oakley
SET DESIGN Casey Van Sebille
STAGE MANAGER Isabella Bracco
CAST Jeshua Paterson, Patrick Suto and Julia Kinsella
MUSIC by Pedro Fiuza