Venue: Belvoir St Theatre (Surry Hills NSW), Apr 8 – 27, 2025
Playwright: Aliyah Knight
Director: Bernadette Fam
Cast: Aliyah Knight
Images by Abraham de Souza
Theatre review
Inspired by the legend of Medusa, Aliyah Knight’s Snakeface deals with themes of abuse and assault, through a modern feminist lens. The writing is unrelentingly poetic and sometimes obtuse, with an undeniable beauty to its language that leaves an impression. Within a theatrical context, work of this nature can feel disorienting, but the resolve of its vision and ambition helps sustain our attention.
Rigorous direction by Bernadette Fam creates distinct and imaginative segmentations at every step of the show’s progression, for a staging that fascinates our senses, even when we share in the discombobulation of its central figure. Bold choreography by Fetu Taku adds meaningfully to the visceral power of the solo piece, which Knight performs with admirable focus and confidence.
Set design by Keerthi Subramanyam is intricately considered, with the inclusion of a clay slab proving an evocative touch. Similarly entrancing are Wendy Yu’s video projections, that fuse seamlessly with the overall visual scheme.
Costuming by Wanyika Mshila bridges the gap with the past, whilst allowing us to perceive the character’s full sexual agency. Rachel Lee’s lights tell a sensual yet violent tale, and alongside stirring sound design by Marco Cher-Gibard, the production is an unequivocal sensorial delight.
Suzy Goes See 