Ensemble Theatre, Kirribilli

September 18th

Now playing until October 18th

Going up?

Surely, getting stuck in any lift for more than a couple of minutes is a potential claustrophobic and nightmare scenario? In The Elevator, directed superbly by Anthea Williams and currently playing at The Ensemble Theatre in Kirribilli, three employees endure an intense encounter together confined for hours in their office building elevator.

Add to that an AI generated controller named TAURUS (Johnny Nassar) that insists on spruiking corporate company benefits after every announcement and responding confusingly in Italian while not actually listening, the drama evolves into twists and turns, connections and themes.

Margot (Leeanna Walsman) is a multitasking CEO and brand-new mum, charged with reinvigorating the whole tech company and frantically dealing with a major PR disaster. Running spin and keeping track of myriads of little details is Alison (Shirong Wu), communications expert and people pleaser, possibly sitting in her position more by accident than skill set. Entering the lift on the way up to the 48^th floor is maintenance worker and antagonist Ollie (Di Adams), carrying a toolbox and a heavy chip on the shoulder of her blue overalls.

Writer and actor Eloise Snape cleverly intertwines the personal backstories of each character with complex and timely topics. Is there a correct time before new mothers return to work and how do they manage balance? Who monitors the glass ceiling, takes responsibility for workplace redundancies and still maintains self-respect? How significant will we as humans allow the interference and interruptions of AI run technology to become in our lives? When does angry blame turn into seeking actual revenge?

Going down?

Clues and connections are subtly plotted as the interior temperature and tension builds after a recent driverless car accident out in the real world. The action runs tightly without an interval and is confined to a sleek, gold burnished set designed by Kelsey Lee with occasional ominous subterranean rumbles and elevator muzak from composer & sound designer Daniel Herten.

Excellent casting and three compelling performances keep us involved and intrigued right to the concluding reveals of the drama as the elevator doors finally re-open. There are laughs aplenty in sympathy and empathy for lightness and a wonderful blue satin pantsuit worn by Margot that many of us would like in our own wardrobe. The actors bring each character to absolute fullness, with passion and seamless flow.

The Elevator does make us step cautiously into the lift next time and perhaps take the time to scan our fellow cabin passengers with just an additional smidge of scrutiny. Just in case.

Highly recommended.

THE ELEVATOR – Ensemble Theatre