Production photography by Tyler Grace Photography.

Every last instinct is screaming at me. Plead.

Beg even. Make them go.

So here it is… I don’t ask much of you.

Please go and see MIRROR at the Sydney Fringe. I know it’s at 6 p.m. … but take the day off. It’ll be worth it.

Please, please don’t let this artist and his 5 alternate selves have to present this joyous, gentle and loving production to an audience of six, plus me, ever again. Seriously, it is such engaging, entertaining work I can’t bear the thought of people missing out on it.

It consists of five standalone vignettes which reflect aspects of the writer and performer, Robbie Greenwell. These characters and characteristics are distorted somewhat from traditionally reflected storytelling of emotional inner lives. Distorted images of the mind of the creative team of Greenwell and his director Cheryl Chin. They have ranged them child to old man, from corporate lackey to family drama in modes from stand-up comedy to mimetic, clown based excellence.

Greenwell has resisted the urge to create false links or to morph and wrangle the scenes into a constricted storyline. Instead his separate entities have their own discrete lives. There are lots of funny lines, truly enjoyable moments of mystery wrapped in silence and sadnessess that appear unbidden from people we are engaging with so quickly.

So engrossed are the audience that he has way too many volunteers when, in his guileless way, one of the characters asks for help. We are all on our way out of our seat. Helpful hints are several times elicited from the onlookers.

That’s perhaps what I loved so much about MIRROR. Greenwell is simply charming. You want the best for him. For all intents and purposes there is no artifice in this work. Greenwell makes no pretence at making stuff up to cover the costume changes … he just tells you it is going to take a while. He is responsive and interactive with the audience and there is so much love in the room. Which gives you space to care … and to think.

Because there is art in these stories. Technically it has some very well-crafted use of projection. The man vs mirror scene is stunningly well realised. The music is also chosen and cued with care and an ear for the sensitive guiding of feelings. It’s clever and subtle. As is the thematic intent here.

It’s about performance and those who perform. Can’t that be all of us? From the perfect corporate stooge intent on selling at all costs. Through the unwillingness of one who is permanently scarred when type-cast by body type. Through someone who depends on routine and the kindness of strangers to make it all bearable. Through the misunderstood one, desperate to make their mark with an individual style. Eventually, to arrive at the mask which will defend an artist from their real self.

Selfhood is being celebrated in MIRROR and it is a show that needs to be looked into deeply and adored. I suppose it is a bit ‘tree falling in the forest’. MIRROR and all of its reflected selves will thrive even if you don’t go but you will miss out on a fun, relaxed and terribly enjoyable entertainment. So go. Highly recommended by me!

Part of the Sydney Festival, MIRROR Is playing the HPG Festival Hub until the 30th September.