Pathos works well in skilled hands

Te Kohe Tuhaka (left) and Karlos Drinkwater are impressive as the brothers in Strata.

The Auckland Festival offers the opportunity to see another fine work from Taki Rua Productions, Kirk Torrance's Strata, first staged in Wellington two years ago.

Strata reminiscent of What's Eating Gilbert Grape and particularly recalling Of Mice and Men, is the story of two brothers - Mo, who is not a simpleton, just slow, and Angus, his protector. Extremely well cast and giving an impressively assured performance, Te Kohe Tuhaka establishes Mo at the play's centre by conveying the endearing naivety and fearfulness of the timid giant. However, the tragic cost for Angus (Karlos Drinkwater) of the responsibility he bears for his brother emerges as the true core of the drama.

The brothers are among a crew of strikebreakers at a West Coast mine, in the late 19th century. Apart from the prologue, the action occurs deep within the mine, and Tim Spite's production makes us feel completely part of that claustrophobic subterranean world. Tracey Monastra's unfussy set of netting and screens and Natasha James' lighting enable our imagination to conjure up vividly the network of tunnels and caverns and the oppressive gloom.

Dispensing altogether with props, the actors mime the miners' work. The suggestive style of the production aptly points to the metaphorical resonance that the mine acquires. The brothers descent underground involves allusions to Maori mythology, in particular the story of Papatuanuku and Ruaumoko. Mo has matakite, second sight, and Angus hopes this power will help him resolve a trauma he has experienced.

A third figure in the play, Pushy - a Welsh trucker played by Richard Chapman - recalls the ferryman of the Greek underworld. Pushy helps to drive the drama to its climax, at the same time generating considerable humour.

Notwithstanding the darkness and foreboding, there is much levity in the production.

There is also a delightful complicity between the actors, particularly evident in Angus and Mo's descent into the mine and in Pushy's attempt to teach Mo to waltz.

The prologue offers the tender image of Mo cradling his brother in his arms - a poignant image in terms of both their relationship and the story to be revealed.

Review

* What: Strata
* Where: Herald Theatre
* Reviewer: Stuart Young