In A Forest, Dark and Deep by Neil LaBute
In A Forest, Dark and Deep is the latest play by Neil LaBute. It's world premiere was in London in 2011 where LaBute was also the director.
Neil LaBute is a film writer/ screen director, playwright and theatre director. His films include Nurse Betty and In The Company of Men. His other plays include Reasons to be Pretty, The Shape of Things and Fat Pig.
Winterfall Theatre Company at The Theatre Husk in Northcote, Melbourne produced the Australian Premiere of the play last year, and this an ENCORE season of its critically acclaimed production.
The Age Review included "(A play such as this)... requires dexterous dialogue and superior performances. That's what you get at Winterfall Theatre Company's ... strong production of a hot new play."
Australian Stageonline described the performances as 'edgy, provocative... superb!"
In A Forest, Dark and Deep is a psychological thriller that centres on the relationship between a brother and sister.
On a dark, wet night, all Bobby thought he was doing was helping his sister to move out of her cottage in the woods. But in this cabin of deceit, nothing is what it seems, and the truth refuses to be locked away.
Directed by Denis Moore
Cast: Michele Williams and Christopher Connelly(who has just finished playing Ron Barassi in Barassi, the Stage Show.
Feedback/Comments
A good night out to see a play.
Difficult one to review as I was sat there with my teenage son and everybody looking around at me with shock that I had bought him along!! The one act play for two people was well played by these two actors, however, the f..word used a little too much for my liking, but hey ho, thats the stage we are at today to get over our feelings...one feels there has to be a better way!!!
Intense but great
We enjoyed this play. It had an interesting story line and kept us intrigued. I agree re the unnecessary accents. I would recommend the play.
Not as expected, hoped to see less swearing and more actors.
A good night out!
Excellent performance, great story although some of it dragged on in the shouting parts. Would highly recommend.
My friend and I still don't know how we feel about this play. It did have us talking but the twist was so obvious as to be laughable. The actors were very good but changing accents was annoying.
Good acting but too much swearing.
An enjoyable show, a great two-hander with twists and turns. A great eve.
Interesting piece and very intense performance by acters!
Good acting let down by a bit of a melodramatic script that could have used an edit.
Brilliant production. A tour de force by 2 outstanding actors. Superb direction.
When theatre become Live action!!! Great show!!!
Thank you for believing in Thepsis.
Great! Get along and see it while you still can!
Oustanding show!! We are still talking about the play, the family, the dialogue...and the dancing.
Chris was the star of the show..and carried us away ...very believable...I could see my brother and our relationship in his character!!!!!
I am not a fan of the "American" and our Aussie accent would fit well into the story and that is the improvement I would ask for.
Highly recommended.
The Thriller was indeed misleading... the show was intense, albeit rather shouty. The acting was great though.
Emotive performance, intimate setting well suited to story line. Engaging performance by Chris Connelly.
i was deeply affected by play (the violence, having come from domestic violence I was not expecting this as the play was described as a thriller to me) - was glad to have attended; agree with pippimolina about the accent dropping in and out but I am sure an extremely difficult role to play for both actors, the small intimate theatre was certainly the best way to present the play I felt like the fly on the wall.
Great show and always a twist when you least expect
Impressive performance, would highly recommend
Loved the intimacy of the theatre and how it made you feel part of the play. Would agree with other reviews that putting it in an Australian setting with Australian English would have added to the experience and story. But can't fault the show.
Fabulous story portrayed by a couple of amazing actors! Theatre at it's best!
Great performances! Would have liked to see it performed in an Australian context but it still captured your complete attention. The male lead was exceptional and the female lead was also good.
A brother and sister rehashing the past leading them to a sad and shocking truth in the present. Ultimately you can always rely on family is what is highlighted. Human nature and morals though are questionable. An engrossing piece of theatre with excellent performances.
Great play, great acting! Enjoyable and made you question the characters motives and relationship. If you enjoy live theatre, this is a must see!
Well worthwhile
This was amazing peice of theatre.Two actors giving great performances.Not just worthwhile ,this is must see, if you enjoy live theatre at's best.
Excellent play and the actors are very talented and engageging!
Super intense. I was impressed with both actors abilities to maintain such high energy and focus throughout.
Good
First class show had us engaged completely.
Terriffic storyline and exceptional performance by Chris Connelly who made the play for us. It's worth going just to see him move through the dialogue almost effortlessly in character. And dance moves! Not so for Michele unfortunately who seemed to struggle a little, flitting in and out of English/American accent detracting from the overall experience. I would love to see this play adapted to an Australian format and language. Without this distraction I'm sure they'd pull off a 5 star performance. Great play. Go see it.
Great show
Worth seeing
Amazing!
Oustanding show!! Highly recpmmended! Still talking about the play!