Sam Cosentino’s play SHADES OF LIGHT is both thought provoking and challenging. The play centres on four characters of different ethnic origin who are thrown together through the tragedy of war.
In Act 1, each character has a solitary moment on stage presenting a reflective monologue. These monologues are spoken in the original language of each of the four characters; Italian, Vietnamese, Armenian and Farsi – thus emphasising a cultural divide which is later negated by the universal connection of empathy and hope found through their shared experience.
The metaphor of this war torn no-man’s land as a place of displacement and confusion, rang true for me. Anyone who came to Australia as a non-English speaking immigrant would connect strongly to the longing expressed by each character for the familiar and comforting symbols of their homeland …. food, celebrations, family.
The technique of interspersing the events with foreign dialogue, is a powerful tool for audience introspection as they interpret tone and gesture through their own experiences and memories. Particularly impressive was the performance of Hanh Nyugen who couldn’t speak any English when she arrived in her new country.
SHADES OF LIGHT provides an insight into those of us displaced by circumstances or whilst reminding us of the connections and desires which transcend our differences.
SHADES OF LIGHT played the Hellenic Art Theatre,, Building 36, Addison Road Community Centre between the 10th an d 12th January, 2020.
Production photography by Anne Habibi and Walk Now productions
