From All Who Came Before

Is the monotony of life a silent killer of a meaningful, loving relationship? In Milly Cooper and Ben Jamieson’s From All Who Came Before, three characters – two humans, one puppet – embark on a mission to solve that riddle, and along the way, look within and discover who they are. Beautiful, contemplative and moody, this is one show out of the Midsumma Festival program that does not disappoint. 

Performed at the rebuilt La Mama Theatre in Carlton, the story traces the friendship between Avery (Jamieson), Loon (Cooper) and a puppet crafted with bamboo, cardboard and paper. The narrative is told in reverse, so we first meet Avery and Loon when their relationship is at its lowest. Everything is in tatters, and animosity, resentment and contempt fill their world. Through a series of vignettes, their connection is also coloured with lighter moments, laughter and grape throwing. Yet, even at this stage, the characters yearn for something more. As the puppet eloquently surmises: the pair smell like spilled wine and tangled thoughts.

The final act depicts the first meeting between the friends. They connect over their love of art and creation. The various props, a cobbler, a painting, a copper cake tray, a curtain, all inanimate in isolation, were transformed into an awe-inspiring living organism. 

Told through a queer lens, this exploration of life and love lost draws you in immediately. The dialogue is articulate and moving, almost poetic. While the audio description took me a hot second to adapt, I soon became a big fan. It added another raw layer that heightened the characters’ journey. Jamieson and Cooper moved gracefully and brought warmth, honesty and richness to their roles.

From All Who Came Before is a unique production that touches on themes of autonomy, agency, love and loss. Don’t miss it! 

From All Who Came Before
La Mama HQ, 205 Faraday Street, Carlton, 3053
On stage until Sunday 13 February 2022
lamama.com.au/whats-on/midsumma-at-la-mama-2022/from-all-who-came-before

Images: Darren Gill