Can I Help? | Aaron Dora & Renee Dobbyn
At the beginning of the year there was a lot of uncertainty around with not only the future of the arts and theatre due to COVID-19, but life in general. Fast forward to now, we are fortunate as a county where the easing of restrictions has allowed a sense of normality to return to the arts industry. Being able to sit in for the reading of ‘Can I Help?’ was an interesting experience as it was not only my first time attending a play reading, but getting the opportunity to see a performance born out of the pandemic crisis had a real originality to it.
It’s strange to think about how when the lockdowns initially began, I was filled with anxiety and fear around what would happen to me both physical and mentally; to now watching a reading of a play that delves into those fears and anxieties, but finding myself laughing at certain scenes and then being taken back to sadness when the emotional scenes hit. ‘Can I Help?’ does a really good job at weaving in the drama and the serious nature of its topic, while also providing laughs and a fun quality to it.
Written by Aaron Dora and Renee Dobbyn, it should be noted that this was only a reading of a script that is still being tinkered with and a play which is still to come. It was performed by Renee Dobbyn, Stephanie Elliot, and Katie Peirce. All three have a great chemistry together and did a good job at letting the characters shine through their acting. Each bringing their own strengths to the stage. The dialogue felt natural: it was smart and witty, but clear and easy to grasp and something I felt could be appreciated by a wide audience.
One of the parts that makes it stand out is its verbatim interviews of people that have worked on the frontline.
COVID-19 can be a tricky subject to address considering it’s still quite raw and impacting the world in a devastating way, but by adding in real stories of the amazing people that have dedicated their time and put their lives at risk to help others, it makes ‘Can I Help?’ a powerful performance by sharing inspiring messages of hope and courage while saying thanks to our nurses and everyone that has lent a helping hand. This gives the play a strong purpose and it never feels like it’s being exploitive. A lot of respect is shown when telling the personal stories and the theatrics of the play enhance it rather than cheapen it.
Overall, I didn’t find much negative about the reading. I thought the balance of humour and seriousness is handled with great care, and some of the more abstract scenes fit in well, however, some people might not like the more dreamlike elements. I feel like this will come across better though when executed in how it’s intended to be presented.
It’s important to know that this is a work in progress, and we won’t know exactly what it eventuates into until the play is up and running, but on the dialogue, the story and the characters alone, it’s a good indication of what its potential can be. Aaron Dora and Renee Dobbyn and everyone else involved in the creation of the idea and where it so far should be commended for putting out a work that is original and brave.
With theatre doors opening again, it’s understandable that many would go to a play where they can escape what has been a difficult time for many. ‘Can I Help?’ isn’t an escape from the reality we have endured and still endure, but it is an important reminder of the sacrifices that have been made by many. It sums up what has been a weird, wonderful messed up year. It’s a drama, it’s a comedy, it’s part documentary and social commentary, but it’s original with its own voice and deserves the chance to been seen fully fleshed out and in its completion.
