The Credeaux Canvas, written by American playwright Keith Bunin and produced in Australia by Les Solomon and Bryce Hallett, is a profound play that explores the intricate relationships, fears and dreams of three young people, whom despite living together, teeter on the edge of becoming either friends or enemies.
Set in the uterus-sized, paint-splattered New York apartment of budding art student Winston (James Wright), The Credeaux Canvas gives you an insight into the neurotic and at times frantic mind of youth, as well as the fears of failure and desperation for love and success.
When a farfetched and outrageously deceitful money-making scheme is set in place under what could be described as the ‘reign’ of Jamie (Felix Johnson) – whose imposing presence reeks of arrogance and narcissism – both Winston and Amelia (Emilie Cocquerel) are reluctantly drawn into his plan. In a nutshell, the scheme involves a great deal of forgery, artwork and deceit at the expense of an old family friend, Tess (Carmen Duncan). As the plan unfolds, the associated guilt and tension between the three housemates sets off a shift in allegiances, and as sexual desire between Amelia and Winston rises, it places an increased strain on already tense relationships.
Despite strong performances from the tight-knit cast, the play only really comes to life after the interval. Unlike in the first half, where the dialogue seems stilted and a little forced, the explosive second act is what we have all been waiting for from director Ross McGregor. A combination of clever twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end – as well as a strong sense of obsession, desire and grief that reaches out and smacks you in the face – truly brings the production to an entirely new level.
Be warned, The Credeaux Canvas does feature a great deal of nudity; however, skin exposure aside, it is a fantastic reminder of those bleak, poverty stricken, ‘I wish I had a real job’ moments we’ve all experienced in life, and the vast measures one will take to avoid failure. It also brings to life the fact that, to many, beauty – be it in a person or an artwork – is most definitely in the eye of the beholder.
3.5/5 stars
The Credeaux Canvas is playing at the Seymour Centre until Saturday February 14.
