Theatre: "Unheimlich" explores the cycle of relationships through the eyes of a house cat!

If you know me, you’d know that I love cats. But Unheimlich, created by Katt Osborne and Terryn Gill, gave felines everywhere a slightly dark twist. 

As my girlfriend and I entered the PICA theatre space, we were greeted by a fake cat with intensely glowing eyes, and an intrusive stare. Pretty creepy! And when it started talking, you could definitely say we were spooked and amused. 

Unheimlich explores the never-ending cycles of relationships, the patterns we dip into, the patterns our parents took part in, and their parents too. The never ending make ups and break ups, ups and downs of love, the insecurities that take us there, and our partners that help us away from them. I’d be lying if I said the performance didn’t affect me, bringing my girlfriend along to see Unheimlich definitely made me question the cycles we ourselves go through as a couple, whether we wanted to live in these cycles, or break them.

Easily one of my favourite performances this year, I adored the detailed sound design from Australian native Brett Smith, taking into account all the ambient sounds that tugged the performance forward and the intense sounds that lurched the audience ahead. Laura Heffernan was the powerhouse behind the set and costume, creating a visually dazzling and psychedelic experience, with amazing and terrifying masks, a moving stage and a creepy cat. 

Armed with a perfect blend of genius stagecraft and committed performances, Unheimlich took us on a whirlwind of emotions, cheeky chuckles and a deep reflection on relationships.

4.5 out of 5 Stars