Seed Theatre Company have burst onto the scene with a brand new hit play. Their first work has premiered to a standing ovation and what a triumphant evening of theatre it is. It is rare to experience this sort of wairua in a theatre space, and especially so in 2020. But the hope this collective of youth brings to life surely bodes well for the future of live theatre in Aotearoa.

Four young writers – Joshua Downs, Anya Christiansen, James Hunter and Francis Johnson – have written a brilliant new play that addresses the challenges of four teens who share the perils of dealing with mental health in a group therapy session. Sunrise is a textured, powerful and beautiful play that deals with complex emotional issues including social isolation, parental bullying, perfectionism, anxiety, insomnia, paranoia, beautiful hearts and thoughtful sharing.

Inspired direction from first time director Giorgia Doherty captures these issues thoughtfully with well-designed scenes, expertly crafted precise portrayals, clarity and insight of the content, and highlighting the dialogue with incredibly impactful physicality.

Hanah Tayeb is simply outstanding. Her work as Chloe brings a sophisticated understanding to the challenges of anxiety with intensity, subtly nuanced realism and maturity. Her two panic attacks bookend the work with astonishing sincerity. 

Ben, played by Zane Wood, brings a beautiful heart and balance to the piece. Wood skilfully, hesitantly opens him up sharing his social Isolation, loneliness and defensiveness with great aplomb.

Melissa Uren’s Lee addresses insomnia, inability to say no, need to please others and developing paranoia: a solidly acted character.

Jake Pitcher as Jamie offers the most challenging characterisation, playing with perfectionism, shutting down, parental bullying and harassment, and traces of multiple personality disorder. Pitcher ably handles all these issues and his monologue is a tremendous highlight. 

The two-person Ensemble works miracles as bullying parents, manipulative friends, best friends, doting Mothers and the physical manifestation of many of these mental health issues. Truly precise and incredible work from Keeha Oh and Emma Montgomery.

Seed Theatre Company’s Sunrise plays at Pitt St Theatre from 23rd October to 31 October. 

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