The future of art in South Australia is in very safe hands judging by this astonishing piece by second year students from Adelaide College of the Arts. It was an immense privilege to witness a tight, intelligent and technically flawless show delivered by confident performers.

A full house in AC Arts’ Main theatre are offered binoculars and are greeted by actor and playwright Sophie Morton, questioning the motives of an increasingly curious audience. Collectively  we feel like interlopers preparing to intrude on the inner life of this intriguing woman. Sophie is truly remarkable, her commanding voice both scolding and taunting, we can’t look away despite her pleas to sod off. This is a clever device, one which shows a refined level of artistic self-belief and finely honed direction. Now we know our role, we settle into our discomfort and enter her fragmented world.

 Immersion in the complex, yet finely stitched narrative is enhanced by a set which would not look out of place on a larger scale, laying the foundations for festival scale productions. Two identical blocks, connected by a very cool mirror feature, furnished with two sparse beds suggest suffocating high density living, a psychiatric ward, a cell or a combination of spaces ripe for existential dread, fear and compulsive thoughts to ferment. An overwhelming fear of ‘others,’ of the gripping fear that invades unquiet minds in isolation, and the dangerous side of overactive imaginations provide is the connective tissue for a show which is bolstered by an extraordinary ensemble cast and perfectly executed sound and lighting. The delicious surprise of Sophie’s powerful singing voice added to the beauty of the technical production.

At times, these elements gave the impression of being engulfed by the waves of emotions, providing the audience with a fortifying connection and enhancing the inherent truth of the narrative.

John Maney , Archer Thiele and Anisha Sidhu delivered superb performances, with perfect timing, moments of dark humour, an innate sense of stagecraft and an obvious respect for the team. It was a pleasure to watch performers navigate an emotionally charged narrative with seemingly effortless confidence. It was one of the finest pieces of ensemble theatre I have seen, and we are again reminded of director Paulo Catro’s ability to guide actors at every level towards work that exposes the deep recesses of the human psyche. I didn’t leave feeling despair, but with a conviction maybe tomorrow will be a good day.

My Next Day was a complete triumph, and the entire team should be incredibly proud. Despite being asked to sod off again with the sign ‘No more show,” I have a feeling there will be many, many more shows.

Design by Wesley Hiscock , Set by Hannah Accierresi and with performances by Sophie Morton , John Maney , Archer Thiele and Anisha Sidhu
AC Arts Main Theatre 17-18 September

Five stars

By Emily