For those interested in how to successfully adapt well-known texts, myths, and stories, take note of Susie Conte. Three Sisters was fittingly my third time watching and reviewing Susie’s work, presented by her company Tempest Theatre, all of which have been re-imaginings of classic stories. As a theatre-maker, she demonstrates impressive dedication to a signature thematic and visual style that runs through each of her productions, making them unmistakably a Tempest show.
Anton Chekhov’s Three Sisters is originally a four-act play, following three sisters who long to move back to the city they grew up in, Moscow. Their lives are stagnant, unfulfilling, and weighed down by a yearning for something else. In this version, we experience all the original text’s intent, feeling frustrated for and with the sisters, who would rather complain about their circumstances than take action to change them (relatable!). However, instead of this experience being drawn out over four acts, it is neatly distilled into under an hour, while still maintaining the story’s humour and tragedy
Amanda Watson in Three Sisters. Photography by Yuki Omamiuda.
The sibling dynamic is embraced by the cast of sisters: Amy Welsh (Olga), Sarria Butler (Masha), and Amanda Watson (Irina). They display tender care for one another in some moments, tension and anger in others. However, what I enjoyed most about their sisterly bond were the scenes where they jointly teased their brother Andrei, played by Luca Conte. The show began with a bit of hesitation, and some lines were lost due to low volume, but this didn’t last long as the performers soon found their stride and nerves subsided.
Susie has a talent for creating striking and stunning visuals using minimal materials. Her signature use of tulle was back on display, recurringly used almost as a prop while crafting hauntingly beautiful imagery. You can never quite place the era in which these shows are set, honing in on the timelessness of the pieces. I also appreciate the strong colour palette that subtly weaves its way across the stage, from the lighting to the props and costumes.
Cast of Three Sisters. Photography by Yuki Omamiuda.
All of Tempest Theatre and Susie Conte’s works are connected by similar, yet timeless, themes of repression, control, tradition, and unfulfilled desires under a patriarchal system. Regardless of the age of the story, these issues still plague women. And as aptly pointed out in the Three Sisters program, these issues also impact men, as shown through Andrei’s character. I appreciate this team’s continuous dedication to highlighting these themes and staying true to their clear mission throughout all their works.
Three Sisters presented by Tempest Theatre is on at Subiaco Arts Centre from 2 – 5 October 2024.