As soon as the cast of Definitely Fine turned around, when the bright lights shone and ominous music drew in, a feeling of paralysis came over me. The intensity was surprising, thankfully broken up with brief pockets of levity to prevent emotion draining. The conceptual nature meant I was never laughing in sync with the audience, and the story was what you derived from it.
For me, I was witnessing the first ever love triangle between Adam, Eve and Lilith, and was able to relate with each character’s plight and pains. I share Lilith’s want to be wanted, always in a position where I’m on the outside of an inside joke. I embody Eve’s rage, designated with a purpose impossible to attain, a promise never met despite reasonable expectations. Finally, I empathise with Adam’s struggle of being unable to satisfy, to fully open up and give all of myself to somebody. Nonetheless, I’m potentially only pulling one string from a biblical-sized thread.
With this method of storytelling, Dull Thuds of Love will not be for everyone. It's a credit to the writing they can use such difficult language but keep relatability, and to the actors for achieving such depth and range. Their ability to convey complex emotions through facial expressions, tone and limited movement carries a multifaceted production. Aided by imposing sound and impactful lighting, this work in progress feels like the finished article, and is a testament to the oldest romantic entanglement in Christianity.
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