When Sun & Moon Collide – Auckland Theatre Company ASB Waterfront Theatre June 22, 2017

 

Dir: Rawiri Paratene

Playwright: Briar Grace-Smith

Cast: Jack Buchanan, Joe Dekkers-Reihana, Kura Forrester, Emily Campbell

Auckland Theatre Company brought their fourth production of the season to life last night at ASB Waterfront Theatre. When Sun & Moon Collide was written by Briar Grace-Smith and features four young actors who uncover the mystery of two Danish backpackers gone missing in rural New Zealand.

But really, the whodunit aspect of the play it a minor element. What actually matters is the emotional voyage these four characters go through.

The majority of the action takes place in a traditional tearoom run by Isaac (Jack Buchanan). The tearoom doesn’t see many customers since Isaac’s mother left the place to him and Isaac himself doesn’t get out much.

In fact, his only regular customer seems to be Francie (Emily Campbell) and she rarely eats.

But things get shaken up with the appearance of Declan (Joe Dekkers-Reihana) and old friend of Isaac’s who has spent the past five years in prison. Ominously, Delcan’s appearance coincides with Mutuwhenua…the Night Of The Dead Moon…according to the Maori lunar calendar. From the start it’s clear that Declan has a few demons of his own to tame.

After a fire rips through the small town, we meet Travis (Kura Forrester), the local constable, who immediately puts the finger on Declan.

This being a small town, everyone has history with everyone else, and it’s those connections that slowly reveal themselves as the play progresses.

Along the way we learn of the two Danish backpacker who disappeared years ago and the secret one, or more, of our characters has held onto for all those years.

As I said, the drama really isn’t in the solving of the crime…in fact, that part of the story and its resolution is probably the play’s weakest link.

But the emotional transformation that all four characters go through…dealing with loss, abuse, secrets and lies…and the stellar performances by all four actors make for a powerful combination, making When The Sun & Moon Collide well worth venturing out on a winter’s night.

Marty Duda

When The Sun & Moon Collide runs through July 6th.