Cathedral is an underwater immersive thriller based on the story of cave-diver Clay (played by Nathan O’keefe) who grew up on the Limestone coast and learns about the Piccaninnie Ponds which is a system of sinkholes.
The story begins with Clay being born and the audience learning that he was a twin. From here, it’s a sad state of affairs when you learn that Clay also loses his father and then his mother.
Clay moves in with his Pop after his mother went missing and it is him who teaches Clay to swim and to love the water. There is a scene where Pop has Clay underwater holding his breath then gasping for air, which denotes the beginning of his love for deep diving.
From here Clay moves to Thailand where you start to feel and see some of the grief he had from his childhood. This is also where you see the stage lighting being used to change the look and feel of the performance almost instantly.
Clay’s next move is with Jock in Aberbeen where he is working as an underwater specialist. This is also where you begin to learn of a blossoming romance . This part of the show is captivating as it creates the contrast for the gripping finale that will keep you guessing well after the theatre lights have gone out and the lobby has been cleared.
O’Keefes performance of Clay is gripping, the relationship he illustrates with the other characters who are only heard by voice are so well orientated. His emotion develops over the years as he portrays all the trials and tribulations of his life with such deep force.
This will be one of the Adelaide festival seasons most sought after shows, so made sure to purchase your tickets from now until the 21st of May at https://statetheatrecompany.com.au/shows/cathedral/
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