REVIEW: TWO HEARTS: Intimate Explorations of Difficult Themes

In Space Jump Theatre Company's production of Laura Lethlean's Two Hearts, audiences are invited into the evolving relationship of an unnamed couple, portrayed with nuance by Danette Potgieter and Yarno Rohling. Director Kirsty Semaan's staging at Marrickville's Flight Path Theatre strips away excess to focus on the raw emotional journey of two people falling in and out of love.

The play unfolds in a series of vignettes set in inner Sydney, where we witness the couple's relationship evolve from charming first encounters to complex emotional terrain. Semaan, whose previous works include Woyzeck and A Mouth Full of Birds, demonstrates her talent for creating emotionally striking moments that serve the story's unflinching core.

The production begins with light, humorous banter as the two protagonists navigate the awkward yet exciting early stages of romance. Potgieter and Rohling demonstrate remarkable chemistry, delivering performances that capture the euphoria of new love and the painful complexities that follow. Their early interactions are filled with authentic charm that draws the audience into their world.

As the relationship progresses, the narrative adopts a more fragmented structure through a series of brief conversational vignettes punctuated by blackouts. While this technique effectively conveys the passage of time, it occasionally disrupts the play's rhythm, creating a somewhat uncomfortable experience. Perhaps that's the point. Some scenes do make a serious comment with only a handful of lines, hoping to leave the audience with an understanding of the couple's emotional devolution.

The third character, known simply as "It" and played with enigmatic presence by Lisa Hanssens, brings an intial intriguing layer to the production. As both observer and catalyst, this mysterious figure adds depth to the couple's journey, though the revelation of what "It" represents may challenge some viewers. Hanssens navigates this complex role with both stoic subtlety and overt confrontation.

The production certainly doesn't shy away from difficult subject matter, including themes of reproductive choice and relationship dissolution. Some dialogue graphically describes a medical procedure, while other moments touch on religious teachings that may prove unsettling or judgemental for certain audience members seeking to understand the direction of this play. While these elements contribute to the examination of modern relationships, they may not resonate with all viewers.

Technically, Jason Lowe's functional but minimalist set design effectively transforms the intimate space into the couple's world, while Jasmin Borsovsky's lighting design once again deserves special mention, creating a visual language that complements the script's poetic qualities. Charlotte Leamon's sound design and composition provide an atmospheric backdrop that enhances the emotional landscape, while Diana Alvarado's work as intimacy director ensures that the physical aspects of the relationship are portrayed with appropriate sensitivity and authenticity.

Two Hearts represents Space Jump Theatre Company's continued commitment to presenting contemporary Australian works. While this production occasionally stumbles in its pacing, the exceptional performances and technical elements do create a compelling theatrical experience.

This production will particularly connect with audiences interested in intimate, character-driven drama that explores the messy realities of modern relationships. Some viewers may find certain themes challenging, but the quality of the performances and Semaan's thoughtful direction make this a noteworthy night at Flight Path.

WHERE: Flight Path Theatre, Addison Road Community Centre, 142 Addison Road, Marrickville NSW 2204
WHEN: Until Saturday, March 29, 2025
TICKETS: https://www.flightpaththeatre.org/whats-on/two-hearts

Content Warning: This production includes sensitive themes related to reproductive choices, partial nudity, and depictions of intimacy.

(images: supplied)