The Twins

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https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/the-twins-af2021

16/02/2021 until 21/03/2021

Adelaide Fringe Festival 2021

 “Fie, brother, how the world is changed with you!” (The Comedy of Errors - Act 2 Scene 2)  A fitting summation of Shark Island Institute and The ARTS LAB Kangaroo Valley’s production of The Twins.

A largely biographical two hander between two school friends who reunite after 49 years to rework Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors for two actors after playing the roles in High School.

Starring Greg Fleet and Ian Darling, what follows is the reconnection of the friendship after a long hiatus. As Fleet says, they are “maybe not twins in the body, but twins in the soul.” 

Fleet and Darling share their innermost fears, hopes and secrets as they take us through their childhoods, schooldays and careers while living in two very different social strata. They explore many themes  - fathers, labels, honesty and trust to name a few. 

Utilising every playable space in The Studio at Holden Street Theatres, directors Terry Serio and Sarah Butler keep Fleet and Darling busy in what could have been a static production.

Scenes are linked with music echoing the period (along with Fleet’s air guitar playing) and sensitive lighting by Brad Thomson.

My only reservation with The Twins is the form of the script. While there were mini climaxes throughout the play, the overarching structure of the play seemed to meander with unnecessary repetitions of many themes. Judicious cutting would tighten the play and strengthen its central messages.

The Twins is a fascinating study of friendship, but a little over written.

Written by Barry Hill