Left Gasping for More

Not much was disclosed in regards to Angelique Ross, Dylan Rodriguez and Luke Hubbard’s project At The Last Gasp apart from the brief outline of the performance’s aim to capture the inevitable presence of death, through a series of emotive vignettes. However before you turn away at this morbid introduction, let me tell you this description does not serve the show justice. It was a night of epic entertainment, energy, emotion and engagement and here’s why.

As you walk in to take your seat the stage is dimly lit framed with beer bottles and a rather limp lonely figure collapsed on a bed. You are curious as to how this will play out…. death by alcohol? The vignettes all begin with stillness accompanied by carefully sourced extremely fitting soundtracks that highlight the mood to paint the scene both emotionally and visually. Where there was a lack of props the clever use of every day sound effects brought to life the setting, convincing the viewer they are either waiting at train station, at a hospital or simply watching a couple having a meal at their dinner table. Death by drink, illness, love, passion and monotony were all fleshed out and embodied on stage.

NICA students Ross, Rodriguez and Hubbard utilized minimalism to their advantage. With less sparkles and fancy sets or costumes to distract the audience, you are instead drawn to focus deeply on their every move. Bodies, limbs and movements all so carefully organized and constructed to the rhythm of the music are sure to leave you with a spine tingling sensation. When the trio captured fear – you felt it; struggle – you felt it; humour – you felt it. It was an amalgamation of circus, physical theatre and play that evolved as the night progressed transitioning from death to solitude to jazz to ecstatic fun.

All in all, it was a well-balanced orchestration of a difficult taboo topic injected with talented acrobatics, emotive movement, meaning and laughter, which left the audience gasping for more.


 At The Last Gasp
25th – 28th  September
Gasworks Theatre Albert Park