Sugarland Analysis

Sugarland, written by Rachael Coopes with Wayne Blair, performed by the Australian Theatre for Young People, was open for viewing at the Studio Underground, State Theatre Centre of Western Australia, on the 27th and 28th of May 2016, starting from 7:30pm until 9:00pm. It was directed by Fraser Cornfield and David Page, the costume design was by Ruby Langton-Batty, the set design was by Jacob Nash, the lighting design was by Juz McGuire, the sound design was by Guy Webster, and the overall performance was toured by Performing Lines. The main characters were Nina (Dubs Yunupingu), Erica (Xanthe Paige), Jimmi (Calen Tassone), Aaron (Narek Arman), Charles (Jonas Thompson), and Penny (Eliza Logan).

The plot of the performance is based around the …show more content…
These ‘boxes’ were actively used and moved around the stage to assist with different scenes. This type of set was very appropriate towards the production presented, as well as the space it was performed in, because it was a very minimalist set, that wasn’t over the top, but enough to portray the message of the play. Due to the theatre having no stage, the idea of using the red dirt was very appropriate and belonging to the overall theme. As the set was very minimalist, consisting of only the boxes and red dirt, nothing really caught my eye, except for the fact that the overall set was very well presented. The performers used the set as props as well, using the boxes and moving them around to create different ‘locations’ within the production. This interaction worked very well and created a very professional feel. The lighting was very simple at times, not to detract focus, but at the right moments, it was very impressive. When scenes with ‘full on’ content, creating an emotive atmosphere, the light mirrored the responses evoked in the audience. This connection added an effect to the production, that would have been non-existent without it. There were not many special effects, but the use of the lighting seemed very important to the performance. The main sounds used in the production was traditional aboriginal music, in which was played during the blackouts and Nina’s monologues. This atmosphere created presented the idea about respect towards the traditional owners of Australia. The directors choices to add in technical ideas, such as lighting and sound, presented a very important part to the understanding of the play - as the lights portrayed emotions, and the sound linked the story back to the real life events the production was based on. Due to the props and costumes being minimalist, to present a