Rabbit Hole

Bravo Joh Hartog Productions for handling such a difficult subject with finess - a compelling piece of theatre! Krystal Cave’s Becca starts quietly, dealing with her own inner demons in her own ways which include trying to remove the constant reminders of her dead son’s presence. Her Act II ‘supermarket scene’ is a highlight, demonstrating her affection and impatience with her younger sister. David Daradan’s Howie is equally heart-rending to watch. Unable to let go, he is the antithesis of Becca, driving a wedge between the two. His reactions upon discovering Becca has accidentally wiped a VHS tape of their son is hard to watch, yet impossible to look away from. Stefanie Rossi’s Izzy is an excellent balance of youthful exuberance and the need to be taken seriously as a new mother-to-be. She looks to her sister for reassurance in vain. Rossi is a gifted actor, and what could easily be a caricature is played with underlying anguish. Gail Morrison’s Nat (Mum) is torn between trying to be the best of mothers to her daughters and dealing with her own loss. Morrison gives the role a dry sense of humour with a heart of gold under the gruff exterior, particularly in the scene in Danny’s bedroom with Becca. Liam Hennessy’s Jason is tortured, wanting to atone and hopefully realize peace at last. His physicality highlights his inner struggle; hand-wringing, bent over at the shoulders and mentally unable to deal with an ‘adult’ situation. Danny is heard only as a voiceover and is voiced touchingly by twins Aston & Max Hughes.