The Sound Inside

The Sound Inside, by Adam Rapp, asks much of its two actors. Michelle Nightingale and Benji Riggs both  accept and rise brilliantly to this challenge.

 Bella Baird, Professor  of Creative Writing and Christopher, one of her students, develop an unusual relationship. She is a successful teacher of writing, although a less successful writer herself. He is a brash, opinionated, earnest and troubled student, in the throes of writing a novel. 

Their conversations and interactions range from discussions about writing and  authors,  as to why Bella seems to have no friends.  Rodion Raskolnikov, the main character in Crime and Punishment by Dostoevsky is of particular significance, and thereby hangs a clue and an insight into the character of Christopher.

Bella Baird, taking the role of both narrator and protagonist, is a troubled and inhibited woman, who at times is remarkably open and warm. Michelle Nightingale encapsulates the complexity of this character, and is totally believable. Her response to the student Christopher, who turns up without an appointment, demands her attention, spits on her floor, and is later asked to perform a very difficult task for her, is complex.

It is the dynamics of their relationship which drive the story to an ending that asks more questions than provides answers.

Benji Rigg, as Christopher, cleverly portrays a young man, simultaneously irritating and sympathetic, testing himself against the world. In rejecting accepted norms of behaviour, and exuding confidence he attempt to hides his insecurities These underlying shifts provide credibility to the mystery and the choice that changes everything.

The set works subtly, moving the action from Office to Park to Bella’s home, and the lighting supports these changes. 

Direction by Nick Fagan is restrained, and all the more effective for this. 

This production promises much and will not disappoint.

 

Holden Street Theatres  11-29 August