Reviewed by: Pandaren PENG

Editor: Oscar Lidgerwood

From the moment one stepped into the Guild Theatre, it became apparent that this production of After She Left was going to be a truly memorable experience unlike any other. Even before the curtain rose, a sense of suspense and intrigue permeated the Front of the House, amplified by an enigmatic promotional video. Guests queued in anticipation, clutching an envelope containing a business card, a plane ticket, and an ID-like document. This unconventional pre-show interaction successfully stoked the audience’s curiosity, whetting their appetite for the unfolding drama.

The script was a translation and adaptation of Robert Thomas’s ‘Trap for a Lonely Man’, with the story’s setting reimagined in a Chinese context for a heightened sense of realism for the audience. The plot follows a husband who is forced to call the police for help after his wife mysteriously vanishes. As the police officer remain clueless, a woman claiming to be his wife is brought before him, yet he insists he does not recognize her. The question lingers, who is the liar in this tangled web of uncertainty and confusion?

Upon entering the auditorium, the attention to detail in the production design was immediately apparent. The beautiful interplay of lights and the mesmerizing projections turned the stage into a vivid representation of a living room basked in the soft glow of the late-afternoon sunlight. The expertly crafted set, together with the dramatic lighting, served as the perfect canvas for the unfolding story.

As the curtain rose, the brooding figure of Chen Chusheng, portrayed by Lu Yuan, dominated the stage. His portrayal of melancholic emotions and a lingering sense of nostalgia was a masterclass in subtlety and depth. His every movement, every look, was a beacon, drawing the audience into the intricate backstory of his character. His performance was a journey through an emotional maze, with the audience empathetically navigating through his confusion, fear, hope, anger, and eventual menace.

Parallel to Lu Yuan’s intense performance, Fu Wenting, in her portrayal of Zhen Beibei, wove a captivating narrative. She embodied her character’s ambition and greed with natural aplomb. Yet, it was her nuanced divergence from her character that kept the audience guessing and set the stage for the plot’s ultimate reversal. Her performance not only added a layer of intrigue but also enriched the suspenseful undertones of the narrative.

Yet another commendable performance was that of Jeffy in his role as Yuan Tianfeng. His character injected a much-needed comic relief amidst the heavy suspense, and his interactions with the other actors brought a lively dynamic to the stage. His excellent performance defied the fact that this was his first appearance on stage. His successful portrayal underlines the immense efforts the actor and the director put into shaping his character.

The entire cast demonstrated professional and compelling performances, with each actor melding seamlessly with their character, embodying their unique mannerisms and emotional nuances. It is foreseeable that with more time for the actors to synergize, to perfect their dialogue pacing, and to enhance their mutual coordination, every moment they have on stage could resonate incredibly real and deeply with the audience.

The technical elements of the production served to augment the storytelling.

Zena Wang’s stage lighting design was masterfully executed, with its subtle shifts and stark contrasts greatly enhancing the realism and tension of each scene. The lighting served not only as a backdrop, but also morphed with the passage of time, guiding the story forward. In certain scenes, it amplified the necessary dramatic tension.

Equally impressive was the makeup team led by Carol Yu. Their meticulous makeup application skillfully conveyed the subtle shifts in the characters’ emotions and mental states, adding a layer of visual storytelling that enriched the actors’ performances. Chen Chusheng’s makeup design was particularly notable, which played a crucial role in the character’s entrance and transformation during plot twists. The understanding these makeup artists exhibited towards art and narrative was clearly visible as they successfully employed their craft to further the plot and character development.

The unwavering dedication and effort put forth by every member of the Element Theatre Company significantly contributed to the triumphant staging of After She Left. This production was an intricate blend of powerful performances, an engrossing plot, and remarkable technical execution. It’s a testament to the magic of theatre production, with every element coming together to create an unforgettable spectacle. After She Left is undoubtedly a must-see for anyone with an appreciation for stagecraft and a compelling narrative.

Element Theatre Company’s After She Left ran May 19th to 21st at Guild Theatre.

Pandaren PENG (he/him) is the actor and director from IMMERSIVE THEATRE PTY LTD.

Photo Credit: Element Theatre Company