Hearth

 

Today was cold, wet and windy. Today l went to the Kingston Arts Centre to see a play that is set on a day all Australia will know: Black Saturday. February 7 2009. 

Hearth is a play by Fleur Murphy. It is the story of a family who come together for a birthday and fracture as the world around them burns. It's a powerful story that is told well by the ensemble cast which includes Geoff Payne, Sonya Suares, Martin Burn, Kurt Pimblett and Carole Patulo.

Each actor played their role well. The stage is pared back with a table and chairs and a hearth. Around the stage are pieces of cloth that look like trees and as the family starts to crumble so do these trees. It is a powerful image. I imagined those trees burning as the secrets revealed tore down the family.

A good play, played well in an intimate space. Congratulations to all involved.

Kingston Arts Centre is based in suburban Moorabbin. I love the arts in the suburbs. Too often it's thought that the only good performances are delivered by big productions. I disagree. Today l sat in a suburban theatre and was transported back to that day, to the heat and anxiety. 

Check out the arts in your local area.