Cost of Living, a deeply moving play that looks at the ways we care for one another and ourselves and winner of the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Drama from playwright Martyna Majok, is now playing at Melbourne Theatre Company’s Southbank Theatre until Saturday 19th October.
Prepare to be profoundly moved by “Cost of Living,” a stunning production presented by the Melbourne Theatre Company. This gripping play offers a raw and confronting exploration of human vulnerability, weaving together the lives of two pairs of characters in an unforgettable narrative.
At the heart of the story is Ani, portrayed by Rachel Edmonds (Have You Tried Yoga?), who confronts her past as she reunites with her estranged husband, Eddie, played by Aaron Pedersen (Mystery Road), following a devastating accident.
Their emotional journey is juxtaposed with that of John, played by Oli Pizzey Stratford (Neighbours), an affluent PhD candidate living with cerebral palsy, who hires Jess, played by Mabel Li (Safe Home), a fellow graduate student and bartender, to be his carer.
As John sat in his lounge room interviewing Jess, he couldn’t shake the initial doubt about Jess’s capabilities to care for him. She seemed so young, and he worried she lacked the life experience needed for such a challenging role. However, his scepticism melted away as he witnessed her determination and unwavering kindness. In the shower scene, Jess meticulously washed and dressed him, her hands steady and sure, revealing her depth of strength and capabilities.
Disabled actress Rachel Edmonds who portrays Ani, a now quadriplegic since an accident, is powerful in the face of adversity as she battles the challenges and adversities of this fate.
The scene where her ex-husband, now her carer, bathes her is deeply moving. When he leaves her momentarily alone in the bathtub, the tension builds, leading to a confrontation that is both gripping and thought-provoking. It resonates with anyone who has faced the challenges of caring for a loved one with a debilitating illness, echoing my own family’s struggles when my father battled MND. This portrayal not only highlights Ani’s strength but also the emotional complexities surrounding caregiving and vulnerability.
“This production boasts an outstanding ensemble cast, who will bring depth and authenticity to their roles” says Anne-Louise Sarks, Melbourne Theatre Company’s Artistic Director & Co-CEO. “This is an important and thought-provoking piece of theatre that underscores the emotional and psychological ‘cost’ we pay to live our lives.”
The cast delivers utterly brilliant performances, infusing each character with depth and authenticity that will resonate with you long after the curtain falls. As their stories unfold, you’ll find yourself reflecting on the complexities of life, connection, and resilience, challenging your perceptions of what it means to truly live.
Reviewed by Melinda Sullivan.
For more information please visit https://www.mtc.com.au/plays-and-tickets/whats-on/season-2024/cost-of-living/
