3:33am review
21.02.22
Content Warning: suicidal ideation, substance use, and sexual references.
Situated in a cramped Redfern studio apartment are Bella and Aaron. A young couple who “love each other despite failing to love themselves” as playwright and actress Anjelica Murdaca puts it.
It is clear from the outset that Murdaca and her partner in crime Isaac Harley are comfortable with each other, the trust vibrating between them is clear and puts us at ease instantly with their performance. It is a credit to Murdaca’s writing that despite their playful intimacy and quick riffing dialogue – it is almost immediately clear to us that Bella and Aaron are not good for each other. Or at the very least, they’re not good for each other right now.
As the show goes on, the alarm clock on the wall changes and we get snippets of this couple’s lives together. We see them fight, and love, and laugh, and tackle serious conversations. A highlight was a beautifully handled moment, as Bella tells Aaron she doesn’t want to have sex anymore. Her depression affecting her ability to be intimate with him. Carefully navigated by both actors, these scenes have us leaning in despite all the while knowing this pair are the definition of toxically co-dependent.
Near the climax of the play, Aaron admits that he is suicidal, and for a moment we and Bella fear the worst for him after he exits the apartment in the middle of the night. He is found, however, having checked himself into the Hills clinic at 3:33am. The whole play balancing nicely between appreciation for those who provide shelter to anyone experiencing a Mental Health Crisis, and furiously pointing to the need for more services and support in our Mental Health Care sector.
By the end of the play Bella has started a new job and Aaron admits to a friend that while he still sometimes thinks of the worst, he is doing far better. A hopeful ending, but maybe slightly too neatly wrapped up after the just over an hour of difficult conversations and terrified cries we have experienced while getting to know this pair.
All in all though this production is well written and performed. Congratulations must go to the whole company, who bumped in and performed for an opening night crowd all in one day. A mammoth effort for any young team.
Lily, 24 (she/her)
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If you want to find yourself laughing, crying, and laughing in between your cries, 3:33am is the show for you.
Panimo Pandemonium, a Panimo Creative takeover of KXT, features works by new emerging artists. This includes the emotionally captivating 3:33am directed by Lachlan Knight and written by Anjelica Murdaca, whose experience and talents in her writing credits are evident through the characters’ natural yet touching conversations, without being overly cheesy.
3:33am takes an up-close and raw look at Bella and Aaron’s relationship, which encouraged me to reflect on the beauty that someone can be loved not just despite their flaws, but also because of the courage to face them.
Of course, a show is only as good as its cast and crew, and in this case, they are all nothing short of talented. The transitions between scenes were seamless and everything felt natural enough to forget you’re in a theatre watching a play.
The chemistry between actors Anjelica Murdaca and Isaac Harvey are reason alone to give 3:33am a chance. Their nuanced representation of the ebbs and flows of a co-dependant relationship exposes their struggle to love and accept themselves, despite the deep love they have for each other. It puts into perspective what one’s love can do for another, but also reminds us of their inevitable limitations. Diana Paola Alvarado’s work as an intimacy director showcases her ability to choreograph an air of emotional suspense and tension, with lighthearted reminders of love woven throughout.
Needless to say, the show was captivating enough to distract audiences from the broken air conditioning and was definitely worth navigating through the city, even with complete train cancellations. Don’t believe me? Check the content warnings, grab some tickets, and see for yourself.
Alexis, 18 (She/Her)
Panimo’s 3:33am plays at Kings Cross Theatre until 23 February. Book your tickets here.