My Romantic History

My Romantic History

Audience responses:

"It really reminded me of Peep Show, just losers trying their hardest and failing to get it together." 

"Really excellent, the character development was excellent, really showed a maturity of writing." 

"Loved the way it was performed, the actors were amazing."

Tom and Amy embark on a 'modern romance' at the oft ugly Friday night work drinks. Both in their early 30s and still single, they however can't help but pine for their high school sweethearts.

Nostalgia is the main theme, asking whether our romantic and myopic view of the past is our greatest inhibitor from finding happiness? Or have the relationships we've cut our teeth on carved a path of expectations that disable us from accepting people for who they are and to only see projections of who we want them to be? 

The one thing that is clear (in a deranged way at the end) is that the all-consuming self obsession is no match for the reptilian old urge to partner. 

The dialogue is sharp, razor sharp, rapid fire. It's offensive in its honesty, questioning whether it is only through the utter permanence of life (or death) that these perpetual teens, 80s babies, will ever grow up? (So conversely, the much lusted after 'men of yesterday' were perhaps idols of circumstance, shoddy contraception and social pressure to marry young.) 

It's difficult to untangle the many different messages and questions from this intensely uncomfortable and stark play. I neglect to mention that it's utterly hilarious. 

Red Stitch take a well written (if a bit long) play and make it their own. 

If you are interested in the theatre, I highly recommend you see this; if you love theatre it's a must. This is the best Australian production I've seen in a very long time.