Herald Sun
Edition 2MON 17 OCT 1994, Page 54 
AN EYE FOR VISION AND STAGECRAFT 
By ROMNEY J 


That Eye, The Sky
Playhouse, Victorian Arts Centre
Playwright: Adapted by Justin Monjo and Richard Roxburgh from Tim Winton's novel.
Synopsis: A hippy family find religion.
Verdict: *****

YOU know you have a problem when a mysterious epileptic preacher tramp turns up unannounced on your doorstep and promptly 
moves in.

And the plight of That Eye, The Sky's hippie family living on the Perth periphery does not stop there. As well as having to 
cope with the mysterious evangelist Henry (Richard Roxburgh), the clan's father, Sam (Tom Lycos), lies inert in a deep coma, requiring constant care.

His bandage wrapped body is the anchor around which turn numerous stormy elements. The mother (Rachel Szalay) must keep her 
family together despite poverty and isolation.

Her 12-year-old son Ort (David Wenham), now recovered from meningitis, provides a beguilingly naive yet perceptive 
commentary on the events. Much of this play is about his difficult transition from boy to man.

This production by Sydney's Burning House theatre company was jointly devised by the entire cast, led by director, actor 
and joint adaptor, Richard Roxburgh.

The result is a mesmeric theatrical canvas which is both stylistically innovative and powered by a strong underlying sense 
of Tim Winton's novel's storyline.

The story is the more haunting for set designer Gavin Barbey's ingenious incorporation of dream-like elements.

A wafting, silky gauze is drawn out of a table, turning it into a raft atop undulating water. Characters often take flight, 
suspended from far above by long threads.

Strong performances combine with directorial vision and script to make this a definite festival highlight.

Caption:  STRONG PERFORMANCES FROM THE CAST (ABOVE) ENSURE THAT EYE, THE SKY IS A FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHT
Keywords:  THEATRICAL REVIEWS
Section:  ENTERTAINMENT