La Boite Theatre, The Farm and The Uncertainty Principle bring to you The Mathematics of Longing by playwright Suzie Miller. A show that plays with the correlation & collision of science & emotion throughout moments of a human's life.

Mathematics of Longing follows two non-linear story lines: a rock star & his girlfriend (Gavin Webber & Kate Harman) & a physicist, an enthusiastic scientific playwright & their daughter Lily (Todd MacDonald, Ngoc Phan & Merlynn Tong). The story presents itself in ‘measures’ of moments of these five characters. At the beginning of each measure a mathematical or scientific principle is introduced & explained,  to which is then exemplified by the actions of these five characters. Mathematics of Longing dares to intertwine the seriousness and complications of science & mathematics with the emotive & arduous nature of humans. However don’t be fooled, there are plenty of slapstick moments in this solemnly titled play.

With a staircase taking center stage, a perimeter of spotlighted microphones with striking red cords have been placed for each actor. The show starts with a salient rushed concoction of various scientific principles being simultaneously blurted out by each actor, only be lost in the confusion of noise from the ensemble; very much like how some may view science and math itself. It is slowed down into a state of comprehension when each actor states their theory/principle one at a time, notably ending the opening sequence on Newton’s 3rd Law.

The cast brilliantly portray their characters, with each beautifully convicting a poignant tug on the heart strings of the audiences as well as bumping into their funny bones to soften the blows of hardships that many face throughout life. At times the story seemed too focused on revealing the cleverness of mathematics & science in its dialogue, thus staggering the connection of the emotional turmoil that was at hand.

A well deserved mention goes to Ross Manning’s set design. It’s a nice reminder that ‘less is more’. His designs complimented the story that was at hand and at times using mundane objects, such as books or light bulbs, resulted in stealing moments of attention, giving snaps of pleasure to the visual senses of the audience.

Mathematics of Longing overall captures an essence of familiarity of joy and sadness and makes for a rather pleasant & enjoyable theatre experience.

 

La Boite Theatre Company

2 June - 23 June 2018

 

The Farm

The Uncertainty Principle

 

Review by Phi Sandy

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