Paul Birch’s new play Night Falls brings a whole new perspective to the days leading up to Jesus’s execution- using intricate set design to tell a whole new story of one of the most famous stories ever told.
This play focuses on the biblical figure of Lazarus, a perspective not often told during the typical Easter story. Lazarus battles his own fear of death and fear of losing Jesus, articulated through his strained relationship with Jesus, supporting local girl, Dvora.
Religious themes are explored thoughtfully in this play. Whether it’s the discussion of thought over action, or the naive want of a martyr for a cause. These themes, I believe, would appeal to a non-religious audience as well as a religious one. The play hits poignant moments throughout its short duration, leaving the audience reeling in its seats. I noticed several times that fellow members of the audience were in tears.
The set makes Night Falls seperate to the rest. Using a slightly slanted platform enables a constant turntable of dynamics between the two characters. It also acts as an ingenious prop in itself, with many doors built within the platform.
Set designer Sean Cavanagh clearly paid great care to make the stage almost a character within the play itself. This use of set design immediately caught my eye.
Both performers did very well. It has to be said, though, that the performance from Mathew Ruthford as Lazurus was truly gripping. He perfectly encapsulated a weary man, with a greater kindness to him than first appears.
Esther Atkins put in a strong performance, though the harsh critic in me did notice her slip into her native Australian accent on occasion. Atkins did well in her performance against an actor with far more experience- to say she held her own is an understatement to her portrayal.
One small problem simply comes down to the nature of the narrative itself. Focusing on two actors in the same location, at some points, begins to dull the audience. Whilst the decision to spread the play across four distinct acts certainly helps, some of the acts themselves feel too long.
Otherwise, though, this play puts an interesting take on a very old story. Uniquely told with a unique lens, this play is certainly worth watching.
★★★★
