Passengers, a compelling show of physical theatre and storytelling is aptly named as I begin to question being a passenger in my own life as I contemplate the stories expertly told by the 3 charismatic characters.
Am I driving my life? Am I merely a passenger while supporting others’ needs and dreams? Am I truly engaged in my life? What influences my direction in life, my reactions and my plans?
It is so easy to become caught up in the drivers of financial security, safety, societal norms and expectations, parental dreams and simply, the flow of life. Do we stop and question what we are doing, why we are doing it, who we are affecting and how we feel about it?
Kit Redstone, writer of this extraordinary theatre piece may not have intended the name Passengers, or the show itself, to be interpreted this way, but alongside his story, he gives us space and freedom to draw our own conclusions and to look deeper into our own lives. Passengers is a semi-autobiographical dark comedy about the epic battles and alliances within the psyche and the power of the mind to protect itself from pain. So, although it began as a personal story of Kit’s life and journey through understanding his Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID – previously known as multiple personality disorder), the story itself was developed with director Jessica Edwards and additional material contributed by the ensemble team. I, as an audience member, have added another layer to the story. My own personal interpretation and reaction. And this makes it even more powerful and compelling.
Whilst becoming involved in the various personalities of Max, the main character, I could relate the stories to my own life. I was entertained by the pure quality of the writing and acting and the actors’ ability to transport me into their world. I started having empathy for Max, liking him and wanting to join him in a pub for a drink, but I was also fearful that it may end in disaster, hurt and tears.
Such is the way with Max. Ups and downs. Twists and turns. A complex life. Being protected; pushing away the protection. Testing boundaries. Having dreams. Through the 3 characters, the various aspects and motivations of Max’s personality are discussed and debated. How did he become the person he is today?
Through the character(s) of Max, Passengers aims to de-stigmatise the often-misunderstood diagnosis of trauma related DID and link it to a common experience shared by all. The strong storytelling of everyday experiences, the warmth, the cheekiness and the humour do indeed help to de-stigmatise. How can we judge and ridicule, when we can see aspects of his personality in ourselves?
Cast members Kit Redstone, Justina Kehinde and Neil Chinneck are exceptionally talented, having perfected their craft to worldwide acclaim; their delivery word perfect, their energy consuming, radiating with luminosity. They don’t act the characters; they are the characters, adding another level of authenticity. Using a metal scaffolding set to great effect they duck and weave, swing and move with strength, flexibility and precision. They make a potentially heavy topic accessible and enjoyable and bring it to life so we can all relate to it.
The best shows to me, are the ones in which the show transcends the craft. More than the acting, more than the stagecraft, the lighting or the set. The shows that give you more – leaving you uplifted, in wonder, contemplation and have an impact on your life.
Passengers ticks all those boxes.
Passengers is showing at Union Cinema at RCC until March 15.
Tickets can be purchased on the Adelaide Fringe website or at box offices:
https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/passengers-af2020
