Shedding is a self-assured and indomitable play that traverses the shadier parts of the human condition with wit and frankness.

The work opens with a family – mother, father, two daughters and son – sitting at a kitchen table over dinner staring obtusely at a television set. The light from the television mars the character’s faces so that they look slightly grotesque. This imagery dictates a sombre tone and provides the setting for a candid exploration of family conflict and disappointment, often with gross hilarity and endearment.

Melissa Bubnic is definitely a playwright to be noted. Her insight into character builds a moving plot which allows her characters to intersect in a way that feels completely authentic. This script is concise and exceptionally clever, moving effortlessly from earnest to extremely droll without missing a beat. It is as honest in its tragedy as it is in its comedy and (refreshingly) doesn’t suffer from political correctness.

Each of the main characters dwell in a lone world of suffering which engenders a break down in communication, in the family and external world. Connie (Carole Patullo), a compassionate wife and mother, feels isolated because no one in the family seems to need her anymore. Vince (Tom Considine), husband and father, is stoically facing an uncertain future and subsequently sees his failings in each of his children. The two daughters are polarised. Tina (Sarah Borg) is a fast-talking, smart mouthed teenager who protects herself with a disparaging façade and Lucy (Lucy Honigman) lives in an eccentric world of books and insects. And Johnny, Stefan Taylor, the son who austerely lacks confidence, hardly speaks, much to his parent’s chagrin.

This play demonstrates proficient direction by Sam Strong. I never once felt lost with the characters or any new scene and the play shifts confidently from one space to another without a hitch.

The actors were flawless on the night, which only added to the calibre of this production.  The interplay between Tom Considine and Carole Patullo as husband and wife is both hearty and poignant.  It is clear that Strong trusts his actors and it was a sheer delight to see this play in action.