Review: CASTLES Penetrates as Synaptic Synonymic Sensation Phantasm at Old 505 Theatre

Pushing the boundaries of the performance art from is no easy task, and neither is adapting the quick-fire connective nature of the brain for the stage, and yet in House of Sands' Castles, Eliza Sanders accomplishes both, and more. In a work all at once intimate, quintessentially Australian, randomised and unbelievably funny, reviewing Castles is not a matter of attributing meaning, but asserting the importance of this inclusion in our arts landscape.

Today's Australian audience member, surrounded by intelligentsia and literati, has become ensnared in the question "what was that about?" to the point where enjoyment is cannot be severed from understanding. However, relating and emoting are for more potent purposes for performance art such as this, which creates far more profound experiences for theatregoers than measuring a work by how "fun" it is. Granted Castles is incredibly fun to watch, for its apparent absurdity and pop-culture piss-takes, but these entertainments are inextricable from the sincere singing and poetry, and the fluid talent of the movement. Sanders is clearly a phenomenal dancer, writer, singer, mime, clown who has woven all skills together and expanded them between and beyond to create a replica of the human synapse. Electric, alliterative and sensual.

A swift applause for Jane Allan and Amy Oakes who along with Sanders created the costume and properties which distilled momentum and allowed for further stimulation and wild colours. Top job.

House of Sand is a family affair, with Charles Sanders taking the task of Director/Dramaturge in the performance, a process which I imagine took much intimate inquiry, and challenge to connect the dots of the stage content. Wondrous results, and congratulations to them both for a performance that may not at first glance ring with attraction. That being said, Castles is replete with humour, intelligence, contemporary themes, sex appeal and genuine human talent. It has the makings of a sell-out where Australian audiences can clue in past their ego of interpretation, or their instinct for basic entertainment, and seek true, unbridled experience.

Castles, along with their production Pedal.Peddle (read our review) is touring to Melbourne and Canberra. More information can be found here.

Images by Stephen A'Court.

To post a comment, you must register and login.