I went into this play knowing nothing about the plot. In fact, I didn’t even understand the title to start with, let alone the content, and that was the perfect introduction to Iphigenia in Splott. I was so completely swept up in the story that was told over the next 90 min.
The wonderful pacing and building nature of the play slowly introduces you to Effie’s (Jessica Clarke) world until you feel so fully part of her story. She is already sitting on stage as attendees enter the theatre. Waiting and watching you. Her eyes, body language, clothing, and then her words, all saying “You all know me”, or at least, we think we do.
Effie’s story takes place in Splott, a district south of Cardiff in Wales. The Iphigenia in the title refers to a character from Greek mythology, and Effie’s story reflects the same theme of sacrifice, especially forced sacrifice caused by surrounding society that is in Iphigenia’s story. Iphigenia the name also derives meaning from its Greek roots to denote one born with strength and resilience, extremely apt to our main character, Effie.
Clarke is powerhouse in this role. A feat alone to deliver the lengthy monologues making up the script of this one-woman-play, featuring such witty wordplay and visual descriptions, but also seamlessly jumping into the voices of other characters, every single line is delivered with her full heart, body, and soul.
Written by Gary Owen, the script comes to life with Clarke’s performance under the direction of Gary Abrahams. I could routinely hear throughout the evening the rest of the audience gasping, laughing, and crying out loud. There were no patrons looking around or distracted, every single person was on the edge of their seat engrossed in what Effie had to tell us. The performance was touching to me, but even more so to note everyone around me in the small, intimate, theatre had connected just as much to the story as myself, if not more. I congratulate Clarke on such a commanding stage presence.
The best way to see this play is to go in knowing as little as you can, so I will refrain from exploring the plot in too much detail here. One of highlights was not knowing where this story was going to go and if you’d asked for my predictions every 15 minutes while watching, I would have given you a different answer each time.
I left in disbelief that there was only one person on stage, no scenery changes, and minimal props. For in my mind’s eye, I could so vividly depict each of the scenes Effie took us through.
Audiences are left to reflect on their own judgments of others, but more importantly, on the effect society’s downfalls has on individuals. Numbers, statistics, dollar figures of funding cuts, overcrowded living situations, lack of resources; these are ideas that can seem so nebulous and so easily discussed by those in power who may not be directly impacted. Iphigenia in Splott reminds us of the real-world stories connected to these concepts. Effie begins by challenging us to judge her, but beware, “looks can be deceiving”.
Another of Effie’s repeating themes is of loneliness. It is once again incredible how we feel when Effie feels alone, and not alone, despite being one individual in our sights on stage the entire time. These emotions and themes are also encompassed in the lighting design by Rachel Burke. The lighting feels like a second actor on stage. Along with the sound design by Daniel Nixon as a backdrop, together these elements really help set the scene.
Iphigenia in Splott will make you feel and is reminder of how powerful theatre can be. I implore everyone to see this return season while they have the chance.
Iphigenia in Splott is currently playing at Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre in St Kilda, Melbourne until September 22.
For more information, visit: https://www.redstitch.net/iphigenia-in-splott-2024
Content warnings: This production contains strong language, some descriptions of violence, sexual content, adult themes and themes of infant loss. Recommended for ages 15+.
Photography by Jodie Hutchinson.