Review by Lesley Buxton
60m | Storytelling | PG
The Sink by Nick Wade and Whimsimole Co-Production is best described as a dystopian tale of one man’s fight to keep his soul from the power of the monster machine that dominates his world. At times it feels like a modern day version of Poe’s Tell-Tale Heart, at others because of the relentless rhythm of the language, a twisted version of Seuss’s Horton Hears A Who!
There’s much to be admired in this production, especially technically. The original music is sophisticated and offers the perfect soundscape to the story. It put me in mind of early Brian Eno. I particularly admired the beautiful backdrop of projected animations. These shadowy and evocative images might almost be considered a secondary character in this story. They are as much a part of the play as the actor, mostly working to enhance the story and give it dimensions that the writing lacks. Though still, at times, I felt the director might have toned down the visuals as I thought they upstaged the actor, making it difficult to focus on what he was saying. The same can be said for the sound.
So what of the acting? Nick Wade has much to offer an audience. I was impressed by his commitment and his integrity to a difficult story. He has intensity. Indeed I found his performance so intriguing that occasionally I found myself wishing I was watching him in something that would truly demonstrate his potential.
Sadly, the writing in The Sink is not always worthy of Wade’s performance. It is too repetitious and relies too frequently upon simple rhymes. Repetition is the bane of even the most experienced actors—kudos to Wade for his ambition. I feel a stronger director might have helped Wade overcome this challenge.
Despite it’s frailties I would recommend The Sink. I like the experimental feel of this production and the company’s vision. Sitting in the audience, I felt as if I was part of a gorgeous installation in some high-end New York City gallery and I liked it.
The Sink plays at The Tea Party Cafe on Tuesday, June 23rd; Wednesday, June 24th; Thursday, June 25th; Friday, June 26th; and Saturday, June 27th all at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $10.
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