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A darkly poetic Australian murder ballad with an excellent cast.Summary
Rating
Excellent
Angus Cerini’s Australian play, which debuted in Sydney in 2014, went on to win a number of awards. It now makes its UK debut at Southwark Playhouse, directed by Sophie Drake. The Bleeding Tree is a drama – almost a thriller – about a mother (Mariah Gale) and her two daughters Ida (Elizabeth Dulau) and Ada (Alexandra Jensen), who are driven to kill the abusive man in their lives. Afterwards, they grapple with guilt, freedom, and the challenge of disposing of the body. All the while, they navigate the whispers and scrutiny of their neighbours who likely turned a blind eye to the abuse for far too long.
Cerini’s script possesses a lyrical quality. It flows with a rhythm and rhyme, occasionally veering into verse with poetic flourishes: an Australian murder ballad. It also evokes a sense of unity among the three women. When they describe their actions in a near-verse manner, it creates a singular impression – not of three individuals, but of a sole entity. Their act becomes one of collective liberation and a single act of collective vengeance.
The talented cast all juggle multiple roles, transforming from the family with the dark secret to concerned locals. Their reactions are perfectly timed as a knock at the door shatters the silence. In a flurry of movement, they distinctly shift characters, passing the portrayal of the visitors among themselves, all the while desperately hoping the dead body on the floor remains unseen. Gale in particular gives an excellent performance, the impact of their actions and the consequences hitting mum hard. Tears flow and the emotional impact is obvious.
Cerini doesn’t shy away from gruesome details as the women confront the grim reality of disposing of the body. Yet, amidst this darkness he injects flashes of dark humour, offering a reprieve from the tension. His script stays objective, almost detached, to present the women’s actions and justifications without judgement. The audience is left to grapple with the morality of their deeds and decide for themselves.
Jasmine Swan‘s stark set design, adorned in vivid red and orange hues, transports us to the heart of the Australian outback. The desolate landscape evokes a profound sense of isolation, where neighbours are likely miles apart. This distance subtly suggests one reason why locals might turn a blind eye to the man’s blatant violence – it is easier to avoid issues when one is so far removed.
The Bleeding Tree is a powerfully atmospheric production that resonates far beyond the Australian outback. While the setting is specific, the story’s core themes of domestic violence and its repercussions transcends borders. It compels us to confront a harsh truth: what are we, as communities, turning a blind eye to? The play leaves us questioning what slips past us unnoticed, leaving a lingering impact long after the cast take well deserved applause.
Written By Angus Cerini
Directed by: Sophie Drake
Set And Costume Designer: Jasmine Swan
Lighting Designer: Ali Hunter
Composer And Sound Designer: Asaf Zohar
The Bleeding Treeplays at Southwark Playhouse Borough until 22 June. Further information and tickets can be found here.
