The Memory Of water

The Memory of Water by Shelagh Stephenson is a rich, emotionally charged play that explores themes of grief, family dynamics, and the intricacies of memory. Set in the home of three sisters Teresa played by Helen King , Mary played by Anna Roberts and Catherine played by Sarah Rutherford.

The narrative revolves around the complex relationship between the sisters, as well as their relationship with their deceased mother. The play moves seamlessly between past and present, delving into the way memories shape and distort our understanding of both ourselves and others.

The central theme of The Memory of Water is the way we process and distort memories. The sisters’ different recollections of their mother’s death and their childhoods reveal how subjective memory is and how it can be influenced by one’s emotional state. Teresa, who is the most practical and distant of the three, often seems to be in denial about the emotional impact of their loss. Mary, the middle sister, is deeply affected by both the death of her mother and her troubled relationships with her family. Catherine, the youngest, appears to have a more carefree attitude, but even she harbours deep emotional scars that she’s not fully aware of.

The stage setting was simple bur extremely effective primarily in the mother’s bedroom of the house where the sisters grew up and is key to the play’s intimate atmosphere. It’s a space that holds a wealth of memories and is central to the characters’ emotional lives.

The  uses a nonlinear structure, blending past and present to showcase the fluidity of memory. This is achieved through clever dialogue, the use of flashbacks, and sometimes, dream sequences. There is an element of magical realism at one point, Mary is visited by a manifestation of her dead mother, which serves as a symbolic representation of her struggle to let go. This supernatural moment feels organic, adding layers to the emotional experience of the play without becoming overtly fantastical. This section was my favourite scene of the entire show and you could have heard a pin drop in the hall. The emotion Margaret Lukey showcased in her performance as the mother was Phenomenal.  The way she is remembered and how her memory is distorted by each sister is one of the most poignant parts of the play.

The dialogue was sharp, witty, and often tinged with dark humour, which adds depth to the characters’ emotions. There’s a palpable sense of frustration in the conversations between the sisters, as they try to navigate their shared grief and histories, but there’s also tenderness and vulnerability.

in a well-executed production, The Memory of Water demands a director who can balance the subtle, introspective nature of the play with its more overt emotional moments. The success of the show hinges on the chemistry between the actors. The three sisters need to create a believable, lived-in connection, with enough tension to make their conflicts compelling, yet enough warmth and affection to show their underlying bond.

The portrayal of Mary, in particular, requires a nuanced performance. Her character is both fragile and resilient, deeply wounded but not without hope. The other sisters must balance the contrasting tones of humour, bitterness, and sorrow to bring the complexities of their relationship to life.

Congratulations to all on a successful show it was stunning.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.