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Ad Astra’s production of The Wolves by Sarah DeLappe opened last weekend and was bolstered by strong performances and thoughtful direction. DeLappe’s 2016 play tells the narrative of an all-female soccer team, The Wolves. The play unfolds entirely through warm-up sessions, delving into the complexities of adolescence, friendship, identity, and competition surrounding the indoor field.

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The stage was minimalist, floored with green turf with soccer balls and water bottles. This soccer field backdrop against vibrant orange team uniforms provided a visually captivating setting. Under the direction of Caitlin Hill with Samara Louise, the piece felt well balanced. Whilst embracing comedic moments of the play, this production didn't rely on cliché which is a testament to the strong direction. The compact space was utilised very well. The closeness of the audiences to the actors drew us into the ensemble dynamic. The walls were also used as platforms for immersive audio experiences, where soccer balls were kicked against the sides. The pacing was brilliant with the ensemble seamlessly overlapping dialogues, akin to a fast-paced sports match. The controlled tempo and continuous teenage banter kept the audience thoroughly engaged throughout the 90-minute runtime. Actors delivered dialogue to friends positioned at the back of the stage, where they would turn around after delivering their lines. This choice provided audiences with a glimpse of their reactions, enriching the internal thoughts conveyed beyond the light-hearted vernacular.

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Image Credit: Justin Harrison (From Instagram @adastratheatrecompany)

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The ensemble cast exhibited established strong personalities, each asserting a unique character to make up the ensemble. The cast did well at maintaining constant movement, with an array of stretches and unity in warm-up, speckled with comedic moments that tied in with words. However, there were moments where the choreographed movements felt slightly forced, detracting from the overall immersion. Some moments felt underwhelming, where tension could have been built by the ensemble to heighten the circumstances.

 

The friendship between #7 and #14, portrayed by Shanay De Marco (#7) and Emma Black (#14), was a great watch. The chemistry between the two actors was dynamic and natural, characterised by whispers exchanges and knowing glances. The overall  connections between other characters in the ensemble felt less defined and compelling, which I personally felt hindered the emotional climax of the story. However, I direct this critique more towards the script, as narratives felt unresolved. 

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Aimee Duroux’s portrayal of #8 was entirely original, bringing comedic moments beyond the script while Emily Marszalek’s portrayal of the new recruit, #46, exuded a quiet yet assured demeanour that challenged the group dynamic. Sharenee Tones' was captivating as team captain while Maddi Jane Romcke (#00) Madeleine Armit (#11) and Malika Savory (#2) anchored the ensemble amongst the louder personalities. Tainika Kane-Potaka's physicality was a standout, as their comfortability, fluidity and confidence added vitality to the visual storytelling.

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Image Credit: Justin Harrison (From Instagram @adastratheatrecompany)

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The effective use of blackouts and overall lighting design by Cale Dennis and Madelyne Leite enhanced key moments of the production very effectively. The dance scene photo stood out in particular, with flashes and pulses of visuals, paired with the girls posing with orange peels in their mouth. 

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The Wolves plays at Ad Astra in Fortitude Valley until the 9th March. Get tickets here