The Pond

Overview

A very ordinary couple buys a house with a pond. Despite the couple's attempts, they can't keep the tadpoles in the pond alive. And, yes, the pond is a metaphor.

At Addison Road Community Centre in Marrickville, you'll find a small community theatre that battles with the sound of aircraft flying overhead. The aptly named Flight Path Theatre is where you'll find a short run of 60-minute play The Pond, starring Oliver Burton and Rosemary Ghazi.

It's a full length development of an award-winning short play of the same name by writer Con Nats. What resonated with audiences in the shorter version is likely going to land with the same emotive punch in this version — it deals with issues of miscarriage, mental health and the stop/start of building a relationship.

Though the story starts equally weighted across both his and her anxieties, hopes and dreams, the trauma of multiple pregnancy losses seems to cut the audience off from her journey and instead focuses on the experience through his attention on the pond.

And, considering the heaviness of the topics, it's quite a lighthearted production. There's plenty of relief in moments of dance and (slightly hammed up) sex scenes. And, as the actors are working with minimal set or prop design, you're drawn into the rhythm of their relationship as it gradually bends and snaps over time.

If you're unable to make it to the theatre in person, The Pond will also be available as an audio recording. The so-called 'In Spirit' tickets are available for $10 from Sunday, October 11.