Printable CopyESCHER’S HANDS
Galleon Theatre Group
Domain Theatre
Until 08 May 2021

Review by Janice Bailey

Maurits Cornelis Escher was a Dutch graphic artist who made mathematically inspired woodcuts and lithographs. Despite wide popular interest, Escher was neglected in the art world even in his native Netherlands. In the 21st century he has been celebrated in exhibitions throughout the world. He explored concepts of alternate realities, impossible objects and infinity in his works. This was the inspiration for the play, Escher’s Hands by Dawson Nichols. ‘Drawing Hands’ is a famous lithograph where the left hand draws the right hand and vice versa.

Director Kym Clayton was able to directly correspond with Dawson Nichols during the rehearsal process which provided valuable insight.

The play begins with a recorded message from the author asking the audience to ‘enjoy the play. Thanks for supporting live theatre.’ The message may not seem profound but given the events of the past twelve months it is indeed a very important message.

Andrew Clark gives a well-rounded and consistent performance as Gary, a writer for a computer firm, who is more interested in the ‘action’ than the motivation. Brittany Daw is compelling as Sandy, also a writer who is all about ‘motivation’. Their job is to collaborate on a writing project for a fiction class.

They create the characters Steve and Gab and the writers take turns in motivating the actors. Thomas Filsell plays the role of Steve with conviction while Rose Harvey as Gabriella embodies her character with energy and believability. Ultimately the characters take control. This refers to Escher’s sketch of the two hands. Who is ultimately in control of the writing process? What can go wrong?

This is a very thought-provoking play and well worth a visit to Galleon Theatre where you will always be welcomed.