Review: TURKEY, The Hope Theatre

Madeline (Peyvand Sadeghian) wants the only thing her partner Toni (Harriet Green) can't give her: a baby. When Maddie offers a solution involving someone from their past, Toni starts to be concerned about her role in Maddie's life. Frankie Meredith's debut play is an inspiring piece that questions the notion of family, the privilege of being able to start one, love and, ultimately, identity.

Directed by Niall Phillips, Turkey is a perfect combination of subtle comedy and poignant reflection, featuring a trio of complex characters with realistic issues. Green is a joy to watch: her clever and lively delivery of Meredith's exquisitely honest lines give pace and lightness to the story. At the same time, she is unafraid to strip away all pretencesand confront Maddie about her feelings and intentions.

Maddie is a well-tailored character in Sadeghian's hands. Her intricacies, selfishness and defensiveness appear natural and reasonable, even when her integrity falters.

Potential sperm donor Michael is older. Most of his children have grown up and had babies of their own, his wife has left him, and he's been trying to write a book for the past 15 years. CameRon Robertson amusingly handles his middle-aged concerns, as well as still quietly grieving for his son, 12 years after his death. As we discover what he represents in Maddie's life, we embark with Toni on a journey of betrayal, half-truths, and eventual heartbreak.

Maddie's jarring actions towards the woman who adores her and who's ready to start a family, even though it's not her life goal (made clear by Toni's hilarious reactions whenever sperm or pregnancy are discussed), are delivered flawlessly by Sadeghian.

While Toni's feelings for her partner knows no bounds, so does her sense of betrayal. The raw and heartfelt acting matches the loamy set, visually conveying the vitality of the earth and its power to generate life.

The themes of nature and life are rich throughout the whole piece, and the set constantly support them: greenery and books hang from the ceiling, autumn leaves delineate the stage, and four blocks of wooden boxes engage the audience's imagination, avoiding a too-physical or immediate design.

Phillips' direction engages in a mesmerising dance of identity, self-discovery and love with Meredith's script. By ending the journey on an accusatory and resentful tone, the play powerfully challenges what's worth losing to get what you want.

Turkey runs at The Hope Theatre until 14 October.

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