The Almighty Sometimes — Queensland Theatre

Overview

Often, the most resonant stories — the ones that feel truly universal, too — are the most specific. They're the ones that use creative artforms, be it movies, books or theatre, like an empathy machine. Audiences get deeply engaged in someone else's tale and experiences, fictional or otherwise, and feel for their ups and downs. While you're doing just that, you also glean similarities with your own life, even if it couldn't be more different to what you're seeing or reading.

The above springs to mind with The Almighty Sometimes, which Queensland Theatre is staging between Saturday, August 13–Saturday, September 3. Mental health, turning 18 and parenting are all in the spotlight in this acclaimed play by Australian talent Kendall Feaver — and while your life might've taken different twists and turns than the play's protagonist Anna's does, you'll obviously be able to relate.

Coming to Bille Brown Theatre after hit runs in Sydney and the UK, The Almighty Sometimes follows Anna (played by Melissa Kahraman) as she hits the birthday that every teen counts down to, and starts wondering what the future holds. Does her medication help or thwart her dreams? Should she go to university and pursue writing as a career? How will her mother Renée (Rachel Gordon) cope?

Anna navigates the above, and having a boyfriend and thinking about leaving home as well. In the process, Feaver's play finds plenty to explore — thoughtfully, entertainingly and sensitively — with 2014 Queensland Premier's Drama Award-winner Daniel Evans in the director's chair.

Images: Brett Boardman.