LIFE IS IMPOSSIBLE
by Paul Gilchrist
18 - 23 February 2020
Old 505 Theatre
FreshWorks Season
Photo credit Matt Abotomey
It is 1942.
The world is at war.
But Elaine is in New York for the first time.
She’s in love with the skyline, the fashion,
the musicals, and Tom.
The conflict seems so far away – until she meets Simone,
a French Jewish refugee with a terrible secret.
Based on the true story of one of the most
controversial women of the twentieth century.
Life is Impossible
Written and directed by Paul Gilchrist
Featuring Matt Abotomey, Cormac Costello,
Elle Harris and Chloe Schwank
Movement Director Diana Paola Alvarado
Lighting Design Artie Hotchkies
Produced Daniela Giorgi
Critical responses to the 2020 production:
“Life is Impossible is rich, clever – and funny…
Writer/director Paul Gilchrist triumphantly re-stages one of the company’s plays after 10 years, and it turns out its
compelling characters, biting humour, and 1940s situation-al attitudes belong all too neatly into life and society in 2020."
Chuck Moore Reviews
“There’s some cracker geo-political zingers
that keep the intelligence engaged …
Well worth a look… extremely good."
Reviews by Judith
"Very entertaining & a great night out…
First class acting…do yourself a favour and see Life Is Impossible."
Weekend Notes
“An entertaining and thought-provoking production,
go see Life is Impossible.”
State of the Art Reviews
"This is a good'un.....Gilchrist directs his own work with style and panache"
Stage Whispers
“Clever and fun... performances were solid and approached with verve”
The Buzz From Sydney
“the production is pared down, minimalist, and beautiful. The famously serious nature of Simone Weil is brought to life by a performance by Chloe Schwank who conveys an authoritarian yet warm image to her Simone Pourpre….. (Elle Harris) delivers a delicate and nuanced performance…. (Abotomey and Costello’s) performances are superb.
Subtlenuance are aptly named in that the theatre company produce pared down works that encourage thought and self-reflection in the most subtle of encounters.”
Lisa Thatcher Reviews
“Life Is Impossible relays challenging topics and subject matter in an engaging and emotional manner...Costello is an absolute joy… a thought provoking and well-staged examination of conflicting ideologies”
Theatre Travels
“The script, by Paul Gilchrist, has much to recommend it... pithy one-liners and meaningful monologues with astute observations"
Arts Hub
“Full of sunshine and gaiety …Gilchrist hones in on a concern for the place of imagination. Harris and Schwank perform with weight and believability. Cormac Costello captures the spirit of the play’s philosophy with a witty and wily characterisation.”
Night Writes
“a riveting work of fiction… All four cast members …
equally strong ...brought an innate sense of vigour and zeal to the stage.”
Millenial With An Opinion
Photo credit Syl Marie Photography