Kerosene

Theatreworks have opened their doors for the 2021 season with Kerosene, a powerful and engrossing depiction of Australian suburbia, the turmoil of adolescence and an unwavering friendship that is tested to its limits. Written and directed by Benjamin Nichol, the story of Kerosene is told sans props, a set or ornaments, and is driven by clever prose and authentic storytelling.

Starring Izabella Yena, the story is told through the eyes of Millie. Millie lives in Lilydale and navigates the pressures of Year 7: needing a tampon and dealing with boys while possessing a vitriolic mix of aggression, insecurity and a need to self-protect. Central to Millie’s life is her grandfather, who she adores, and Annie, the one friend she trusts implicitly. Their friendship deepens through a mutual love of choreographing dance and a simple ode: whatever the consequence, whatever the cost. When Annie falls for Trent – a guy covered in red flags – the girls go their separate ways and their friendship is shattered.

Years later, Millie becomes a driven, ambitious young woman. She travels to Lebanon on a ‘gap month’, hangs out with a local and experiences a world beyond suburban Melbourne. Millie decides to work at a call centre and begins to earn some coin, dreaming of a future for herself while an undercurrent of loneliness and loss brews. One day, Millie discovers a bruised and bloody Annie on her doorstep and despite the explanation, Millie knows Trent was behind this – he’d been shoving her round for a while now.

With a flick of a match and kerosene, Millie vows to protect her friend and exact the ultimate act of revenge. When the ashes settle, what will Millie and Annie’s friendship look like?

Izabella Yena is a masterclass in crafting such a compelling character. You find yourself laughing at Millie’s self-mockery and wit – especially her on-point portrayal of high school life and not quite fitting in – and find yourself commiserating with her when Millie and Annie’s friendship fractures. Despite the bare stage and the COVID-encased audience booths, Yena’s emotional range and convincing delivery fill the room.

Kerosene is a coming-of-age story exploring the ways in which society perceives and trivialises acts of female violence, set against the backdrop of a realistic lifelong friendship. On stage till Sunday, 31 January, don’t miss it.

Kerosene
Theatreworks, 14 Acland Street, St Kilda, 3182
Till Sunday, 31 January 2021
theatreworks.org.au/program/kerosene

Images: Jack Dixon-Gunn