Constellations

Love and physics combine in Constellations, a romance set across multiple universes. Nick Payne’s charming play runs for just over an hour but manages to execute a clever idea with wit and poignancy.

Roland (Leon Ford), a sociable bee keeper, meets Marianne (Alison Bell), a university cosmologist. Marianne explains that “Every choice, every decision you’ve ever and never made exists in an unimaginably vast ensemble of parallel universes.” This idea is played out as the two fall in love, break up, stay together and face life and death.

Payne wrote Constellations after seeing a television documentary on String Theory, the theory of parallel universes. Such a challenging subject may at times leave the audience puzzled, however there can be no confusion over the quality of acting.

The true gems here are Ford and Bell, who deliver playful performances that become more sombre as the play takes a serious turn. Both actors are able to tackle multiple versions of the same character with depth and versatility.

At times reassuringly familiar, Roland and Marianne’s love story takes an unexpected and uncomfortable turn towards the latter half of the play. A thought provoking production, Constellations will stay with you long after the curtain closes.

Constellations by the MTC is showing at The Arts Centre until March 23
For more info and tickets visit mtc.com.au