5 stars
In These Trees The Autumn Leaves Alone, Wil Greenway tells a story of moments, connected through time and fallibility.
A show perfectly suited to the black box performance space of the Blue Room Theatre, there’s no need for set dressing as Greenway’s uncanny ability to create whole worlds on stage and in the minds of his audience is breathtaking. His is a connection formed partly through the inherent fragility and vulnerability of his style.
Image courtesy of Wil Greenway
This is the most genuine of performances, and Greenway himself amongst the most genuine of performers. He tells whimsical stories, delivered through poetry—although you may not immediately recognise it as poetry, such is his mastery of the form.
Ably supplemented by music and singing, as well as stark lighting changes, the narrative is bookmarked, bordered, and woven with meticulous texture.
Early in the piece, Greenway introduces characters that aren’t there, repeating that his audience will have to use their imagination. This clever misdirect encourages connection as our storyteller uses our imaginations for us, words coalescing into settings and scenes so real that your senses trick you into believing you’re in Melbourne on a chilly autumn morning.
The audience remains present despite all of this, Greenway not attempting to pass this off as anything other than a story told on stage. There is no fourth wall to break, no illusion to shatter when he pulls out of the story and shares a personal anecdote. Performance, performer, and audience are all co-located and sharing the experience.
His story, while grounded, regularly explores the fantastic. Greenway’s personification of a raindrop is a highlight and an example of the humour lightness this show retains while spinning a beautiful tale rich with meaning.
This all drives to the central theme of the story—that moments stretch between times. These Trees The Autumn Leaves Alone is a show that inspires audiences to rediscover wonder. You may step from the theatre wishing it could have lasted forever and, in a very real way, it will.
Tickets available from the FRINGE WORLD website.
GLEN SEABROOK-BENSON