Review: I STILL HAVE NO FRIENDS: ADELAIDE FRINGE 2018 at Tandanya Theatre

Reviewed by Fiona Talbot-Leigh, Thursday 1st of March 2018.

How would you feel if you were one of very few survivors after the big bomb had just exploded? What if you were still a teenager? Would you survive? It is these questions, and more, that drive this production of I Still Have No Friends, presented by SAYarts.

This is a post-apocalyptic work from the award-winning OTF Ensemble, led by director, Claire Glenn, and writer, Alan Grace, and brought to life by a cast of very talented young actors.

On a stage filled with cardboard boxes, the story begins as we are introduced to a group of teenagers who have all been invited to attend the National Youth Leadership Conference. They have all earned the right to be there, having been selected for their differing skills or leadership qualities. We, the audience, are privileged to witness the gathering of this motley group as they are forced together, stumbling across one another after the big blast, and it is at this point where things really start to get interesting.

There are some very strong performers in this eclectic and youthful cast. Jenna Bezuidenhout plays Serafina, a born leader who brings the group into some form of Democracy early on in the piece. Bezuidenhout's down to earth and somewhat innocent style drew her audience to her easily from her very first word. She is followed by the equally talented Clementine Murton who plays Beautiful, a young girl who finds herself the target of bullying right from the get-go and who we see transform as the story unfolds.

One by one the stage is filled with survivors and the audience gets a first-row seat so to speak on just how this group will assimilate, or will they? It's the question that hangs from the start to the finish of this production. The bitching, bullying, and discontent starts early amongst the group, and the drama which unfolds is at times uncomfortable to watch as each and every person there finds their voice. One is the effervescent Jack, wonderfully played by Ismael Hamilton-El Aquil, who brings real spice to the group whilst seeming completely oblivious to his and the others' plight. Another great persona is Mac, played by Ethan Miotti, whose acting defies his years. Sam McKenna, who plays Krav, also needs a special mention as he evoked many a laugh during this somewhat dark production.

This group of young actors have worked incredibly hard, and it shows. This piece was in part devised by them all, through multiple workshops and rehearsals, giving Alan Grace plenty from which to create a script.

I was gripped from start to finish and, at times, on the edge of my seat, wondering just how far this group would all go to survive, not just from the fallout of the bomb, but each other. The future of mankind rests on their young shoulders and, as they all fight for leadership, is anyone the winner?

SAYarts are known for putting on good quality and thought-provoking shows, and this one is no exception. I Still Have No Friends plays at Tandanya 6:30pm each night until the 4th of March. Check it out.

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