WEEKEND NOTES (REVIEW): Things I Know To Be True
This review was written by ‘Janelle’ and originally published at Weekend Notes on 8 February 2021.
Things I Know To Be True by Australian playwright Andrew Bovell was the play chosen for the opening of the 2021 season of the Castle Hill Players.
Directed by Carol Wimmer, the story follows a year in the life of the Price family from suburban Adelaide. Fran and Bob Price and their four adult children all have secrets that they struggle to keep from each other and the tumultuous year culminates in a family tragedy. Most of the action takes place in the backyard of the family home, which is portrayed with a cleverly simple set design. I particularly liked how the passing of the seasons was marked by the changing of the rose bushes from the full bloom of spring to the bare sticks of winter.
Written in 2016, Things I Know To Be True deals with contemporary issues surrounding relationships and acceptance. It is first and foremost a serious drama with a few light moments that are mainly supplied by daggy dad Bob Price played by Stephen Snars. The "typical middle class" family and their problems would be recognisable to many audience members and may even upset some patrons. The cast of six did a fantastic job demonstrating the Price family dynamic but for me, the standout was Kate Jirelle as the youngest daughter Rosie. Her powerful monologues were deeply moving and there was an air of vulnerability to her role as the baby of the family.
A few points to note are that due to COVID-19 restrictions, all tickets must be purchased prior to the event online or via phone and the customary intermission tea/coffee service is suspended. The bar is open on Friday and Saturday nights but you must be seated when consuming drinks.
Things I Know to be True is an emotional thought-provoking play that marks a triumphant return of the Castle Hill Players to the stage of the Pavilion Theatre.
Performance rights for Things I Know to be True exclusively licenced by HLA Management Pty Ltd, P.O. Box 1536, Strawberry Hills NSW 2012