Entertainment
19 April, 2024
‘Almighty’ must be seen
CONFRONTING, clever and humorous are the words that come to mind for this complex tale of mental illness – The Almighty Sometimes – opening at The Rondo Theatre tonight.
You will not question for a minute why Australian playwright and screenwriter Kendall Feaver has won multiple awards here and abroad for this thought-provoking play.
The stellar cast of four reveal the challenges of relating to someone with a mental illness and includes two newcomers to the Rondo stage – Janaya Byl, who plays Anna, and Vanessa Dinelli as Vivienne, Anna’s psychiatrist. They join Michelle Andrews, who plays her mother Renee and Dean Harton, who is Anna’s boyfriend Oliver.
Directed by Matt O’Connor, The Almighty Sometimes offers insights into mental health and illness, family dynamics in the face of trauma, but also humour and catharsis.
At just 18, Janaya tackles the role of the 18-year-old Anna head on, and is nothing short of astounding. Anna believes the only way to return to her 11-year-old self – a prodigious writer with a thrilling imagination – is to go off her medications.
Be prepared. Anna’s tales play a key role right from act 1, scene 1.
Equally impressive is the quiet and considered Dean, who plays the perfect foil as her boyfriend, Michelle as the mother working hard to hold her ‘family’ together and Vanessa, who attempts to remain clinical. The diverse cast was an inspired choice.
Co-produced by Steven Bloom and Jason Lockwood, Mr Bloom said they chose this play to work on for several reasons, including that it is Australian.
“It also deals with topics like navigating relationships, and mental health that in recent years has become more visible but still has some stigma associated with it.
“We particularly liked the way humour is lightly injected into what might be considered serious topics, but doesn’t distract from the moment or the message,” Mr Bloom said.
Be sure to book tickets soon, as the last four Rondo productions have been sell-outs.
Opening tonight (Friday, April 19), evening performances run through to May 4, with one matinee on April 28.
Tickets are on sale now at www.therondo.com.au/book or phone Last Call Ticketing on 0415 822 333
