Miscommunication and its complexity are pertinent in Paul Evangelista’s play ‘The Abyss’. This brilliant play was performed at the Alec Clegg theatre by Open Theatre Society. The play encapsulates how friendships can adapt over time, but also stifles the unspoken space between two people. It is an exploration of how connections can become tangled and what conversations must be had. The actors involved are Alice Clarkson, who played Jo, and Isabelle Williams, who played Abby. We also have their shadows for the flashback and flashforwards scenes, who are played by Emma Coulter (for Jo) and Evie Morgan (for Abby) respectively.
The play opens up with Jo and Abby getting ready, and finding out that their friend Emma has had to cancel due to an ankle injury. We encounter an agitated Jo who is nervous to be alone with Abby, due to the rising awkwardness in their friendship. Abby causes a delay, as she doesn’t get ready in time and Jo is annoyed at her inconvenience. The opening scene signifies so much of the play’s theme; their consistent bickering was comedically done, but showed a lot of resentment between the two. They go to a theme park and whilst on a rollercoaster that is about to descend, it malfunctions and stops at the top. Abby and Jo look out around their surroundings, this malfunction forces them to confront their fears – the calm before descending into the unknown. They realise that now all they can do in each other’s company is talk. Completely terrifying for the both of them, but we see it become a blessing in disguise.
Jo and Abby’s differences in personality were effectively presented: Jo is uptight, rigid and relies on schedule, whereas Abby is relaxed, unassuming and easygoing in comparison. The exceptional writing enhanced the flaws between the two characters and created distinction in their ambitions within the conversation they have. Throughout this conversation, Clarkson and Williams’ back and forth conveyed every emotion from laughter to frustration. The frustrations between the two protagonists are palpable in how so much misunderstanding had occurred between Jo and Abby. Credit must go to the chemistry between the two actresses; their acting was enthralling and witty.
We also get their flashback scenes, which were easily my favourite part of the play since it allows the audience to grasp the main cause of their disputes. They play about with memory with how differently Jo and Abby remember each argument and confrontation. For example, one memory of how differently Abby remembers coming home drunk and interrupting Jo’s study time. Abby was much more incessant in Jo’s memory, whereas Jo was more reciprocal in Abby’s memory. This was done wonderfully, as Jo’s and Abby’s, played by Clarkson and Williams, commentary on their flashbacks blended seamlessly with the acting and performance of Coulter and Morgan’s Abby and Jo. This was such a fun part of the play to watch, since it helped to find the root cause of their misunderstandings, but done in an entertaining way.
Their conversations boil down ultimately to fear: The fear of the unknown in an everchanging world. How we have to inevitably confront our issues in our personal lives, especially in university as the future is so unstable. Evangalista highlights how easily friendships can turn from ease to complication, but also shows the reconciliation process that it takes from both individuals. Eventually, the malfunction of the rollercoaster is fixed and they both come to an understanding with each other. They acknowledge their differences and how they have hurt each other over time. A countdown appears as the rollercoaster is about to dive; Abby and Jo decide to hold each other’s hands before this fall. I loved this detail, as they started off the play emotionally distant, but coming to a resolution in the face of the abyss.
This play was phenomenal through and through, especially with the amazing set design and production behind it. The surround sound of the stage with the positioning of all the sets was clearly well thought out and you were immersed in this dynamic friendship. Jo and Abby are placed in the middle on top of a rollercoaster set with the fog rolling towards the audience, which really enhances the experience. Additionally, lighting was also important in this narrative; warm lighting represented Jo and cool lighting for Abby. The production team were meticulous in every small thing within this play, so all applause to the behind the scene crew, including those who were behind lighting and sound. They crafted and executed a well-written and beautiful play that made me rethink about all my past friendships (personally).
Despite the theme of miscommunication and friendship, the play was incredibly funny, especially with how Isabelle Williams delivered her lines as Abby. There was some audience interaction that blended well with the masterful dialogue. The brilliant acting by Alice, Isabelle, Emma and Evie must be mentioned again, as they sharply executed and truly brought to life the characters of Abby and Jo. It should also be said that Evangelista dedicates his play to the friends he has drifted apart from, because despite the distance, he still has a fondness and love for the lessons that he has learned from these friendships. It is a play that speaks to all of us, which is trying to navigate the awkward silences and arguments that can happen in a friendship. Even if it eventually leads to a falling out, ‘The Abyss’ teaches a lesson of how we can still appreciate everything that our past friendships have taught and the value of it. It represents the patience we have for the people in our lives, despite their flaws and the difficult conversations we must have.
Overall, this witty, emotional and relatable stage play tackles the core of friendship dynamics and the complexities of it all. A play that asks the audience to reflect on their past friendships and current ones, and if there is anything that has been left unsaid. Hats off to Paul Evangalista, Hollie Ferguson, Otis Brennan and everyone in the production team for this amazing play!
Editor: Grace Lees