Coherence is a stage adaptation of the 2013 science fiction film of the same name. Written by James Ward Byrkit, the original film version of Coherence was made on a shoestring budget over just five nights in the director’s home, but went on to receive critical acclaim and developed a cult following. In 2015, local Australian actor/director Justin Stephens contacted Byrkit to express his interest in adapting the film for stage. Nine years later, Coherence has made its Australian premiere stage adaptation in a production by The 1812 Theatre in association with REDFOX3 Theatre Company.
The story is about eight friends at a dinner party who experience a series of strange occurrences when a comet passes overhead. Fans of the cult indie film will appreciate the fact this stage adaptation remains true to the original core narrative. They’ll also appreciate the unique challenges of creating a stage adaptation of this particular story! And yet, Justin Stephens has succeeded. Coherence is an outstanding production that will leave audiences pondering their experience for quite some time.
However, it’s not simply the writing where Coherence succeeds, but rather in every aspect of this production. From the moment the audience take their seats, the anticipation begins to build and the audience are hooked from the very beginning. Justin Stephens’ vision for Coherence is evident in not just the writing, but also through the set design, sound design, original music and finally the direction.
The quality set immediately sets the scene for the upcoming dinner party, while the scenic artwork (by Gill Carkeek) creates a sense of the ever-present impact of the passing comet.
A brilliant lighting design by Michael Rowe creates a sense of the surrounding darkness, while drawing attention to the story line and also helping establish different versions of the complex story line.
A quality cast of experienced actors bring this gripping story to life. Bec Johnston, Rob Blowers, Travis Handcock, Rhiannon Stephens, Tam Dahmen, Steve Crampton, Brett Whittingham and Rosie Leonardi all deliver outstanding performances and manage to very convincingly portray various versions of their characters. This opening night performance felt polished and well rehearsed.
The experience of director Justin Stephens shines through all elements of this production. The opening dinner party scene creates an almost voyeuristic effect for the audience as the characters all carry out small talk conversations amongst the group of eight dinner party guests, the content of their conversations all mingling together until one conversation attracts everyone’s attention. In those moments the story didn’t even feel “acted” but a very natural dinner party environment.
As the story progresses, the tension builds. Admittedly, I hadn’t seen the original film version, and while I knew the premise of the story line, this stage production had me enthralled from the beginning to the very end. It was a roller coaster of emotions – some lighter and funnier moments, some serious, some thrilling, but overall well balanced and well paced.
The best approach to watching Coherence is to simply suspend your disbelief, don’t attempt to understand the elements of quantum physics and just enjoy the ride. There is so much more to unpack in this story than simply the science fiction concepts, but rather the complexity of human relationships and indeed our own personal identity. Which version of ourselves are we? Could a darker version exist? There’s much to consider.
My only “criticism” of Coherence was that it was all over way too quickly; much like any exhilarating roller coaster ride! However, the decision to make this a one-act play was the right one. It allowed the tension to continue to relentlessly build throughout the story until the ultimate climactic ending. It all wraps up in around 70 minutes, but felt surprisingly fast. I suspect there were some little nuggets that I missed – the “Easter egg” details that fans of the film would have picked up. Initially I was tempted to go away and watch the film, but now pondering this stage presentation, I think I might need to head back to see this production again.
Coherence is a thoroughly satisfying and intelligent production that again demonstrates the extremely high quality of Melbourne’s community theatre.
Coherence is now playing at the 1812 Theatre. For more details: https://www.1812theatre.com.au/
