Daniel Nellor’s play Ignis, Latin for ‘fire’, critiques and probes the intimate aspects of human adult sexual desires and experiences, challenges and disappointments.
Nellor carefully delves into aspects of life such as class, sex, obsession, betrayal and the disturbing reality the characters in this play find themselves in.
This is a powerfully crafted work and Nellor does not hide the fact that he has freely adapted it from Schnitzler’s Reigen (La Ronde), a controversial 1897 play that explores sexual morality and class ideology.
The subject matter Schnitzler was exploring in 1897 still somewhat needs exploration today for acceptance.
The performance took place in the gracious 19th century Victorian Toorak Mansion Hotel, presented by the Anthropocene Play Company. The company boasts a cast of well-seasoned and emerging actors who delivered a consistently high standard and at times gripping performance.
However, at times the diction of some actors was unbalanced, and at times the use of ‘sotto voce’ was inadequate because parts of the dialogue could not be understood or heard.
The audience, an intimate group of 12, were greeted with an offer of a glass of wine. They were then instructed to pick up a chair to take with them during the performance, moving from one bedroom to another during some scene changes. The audience then felt an integral part of the unfolding drama.
The setting is a surreal one, intimate, and at times uncomfortably confronting, disturbing and dramatic as the characters unpack their sexual encounters, their passion and anxieties whilst their city is encompassed by fire.
Ignis is a form of theatrical experience directed by the internationally accredited actor teacher Bronwen Coleman, who sensitively allows her actors the opportunity to put their stamp on each character.
What emerges are characters with whom the audience can empathise, have compassion for, and most of all relate to.
Performance Details: Until October 23 at 4pm, 6pm and 8pm
Venue: Toorak Manor Hotel, 220 Williams Rd., Toorak
Duration: 100 minutes
Bookings: melbournefringe.com.au

• Review by Mary Downie