By Carol Dance. Scene Theatre Sydney. Philharmonia Choirs Hall, Walsh Bay. May 11 – 26, 2018

This delightful little play looks at how our ideas change with age and experience. The fact that it does so through one woman’s shifting perceptions of a painting over eleven years, makes it a refreshingly different take on an age-old theme – as does the style of the play. Set on an empty stage, the play takes place is a series of art galleries that have a pianist playing in the foyer. The music (played by Philip Eaves) supports – and transports – the action from Sydney, to London, to New York.

The play centres on Amber, a young country girl, who, desperate to get away from her family, finally scores a job in the city … as an art gallery guard. It’s her first time in the city. She knows nothing about art. But she’s determined to make good and eager to learn, especially about art, and why one particular painting – The Kiss ­– can be interpreted in different ways by different visitors to the gallery.

Playwright Carol Dance takes Amber beyond youth and curiosity to maturity, romance and a wider perspective of the world of art, including art theft and forgery, but allows her to retain the naïve trust and empathy that defines her character.

Cara Severino establishes that naivety in a very natural and honest interpretation of Amber. She seems at home in this character, finding the innocent resolve of the young Amber in a guileless acceptance of advice, joy in new-found independence and the exhilaration of new people and experiences. As the character grows and her experience broadens, there is more stability in the portrayal without losing the compassion that is central to the character.

Chloe Schwank plays the women that Amber meets along the way, including a Gallery Director, an art thief, Amber’s sister and an old woman who is considering stealing a model ship her husband had bequeathed to the gallery in order to sell it . . .

. . . continued in Stage Whispers magazine.