THEATRE REVIEW: Chrome Dome and Schizo
16.08.2022 Basement Theatre
Chrome Dome and Schizo follows the four-month relationship between Stage IV cancer patient, Chris, and the protagonist - an unnamed paranoid schizophrenic, referred to only as Schizo. The play explores mental illness and schizophrenia in a way that is never exploitative, harmful or unethical. We see the characters as real people, yearning for real emotions and connection. Chrome Dome and Schizo is a perfect example of why we need genuine representation in the arts. Writer, Dan Goodwin, based the play off of their own experience with PTSD, paranoia and psychosis while in London. It really shows that this performance comes from a place of personal experience - It’s bold but also sensitive, dealing with mental illness in an open and safe way.
The use of the audio and lighting was a really unique way to explore Schizo’s experience. The disembodied voices, booming non-sequiturs and sudden light bulb flashes were effective in situating the audience within Schizo’s own mind. The audiovisual material made for a reminder of the character’s mental health, creating empathy (rather than pity or sympathy) for their experience. The lights and the sound made every scene feel hazy. I was trying to concentrate on several things at once and when I finally grasped the narrative, my brain was interrupted again by flashing light bulbs. Even short conversations felt like an overstimulation. What a fantastic way to embody the internal experience of someone. I felt like I could really see into Schizo’s head, feeling as worried and disorientated, but also as in love and happy as they were. At times, the audiovisuals did feel somewhat clumsy due to the latency and sound quality. I liked what was intended with this aspect, but I think it needed a little bit of refining.
The disembodied voices, booming non-sequiturs and sudden light bulb flashes were effective in situating the audience within Schizo’s own mind.
The spoken word poetry was an almost synesthetic experience. Each word felt sticky, chosen not only for its meaning, but also for how it sounded when spoken. The rhythm, breath and sound were all so carefully considered. I loved how Schizo’s mental illness manifested in every aspect of the performance, down to each syllable. The balance between being comedic, moving and unashamedly genuine was always reflected in the script. The quips between Schizo and Chris, the absolutely clueless dialogue of the doctor, the supportive empathy of Schizo’s friend: all of them were totally natural, enhancing the intimate nature of the performance. The Memento-like temporal jumps meant for a really interesting structure as well, though it sometimes became a bit difficult to follow. There were moments when the performance felt too metaphysical. Overall, I enjoyed the experimental structure and thought it added another layer to the narrative.
The balance between being comedic, moving and unashamedly genuine was always reflected in the script.
Furthermore, the acting really brought this script to life. The sexual tension, the frustration, the grief; it was all so tangible. The chemistry between Schizo and Chris was intoxicating. Schizo’s monologue near the end about Chris’ body was impressively delivered. More poetry and jilted half-thoughts than script, it crafted a linguistic dreamscape that questioned relationship between “delusion” and “reality”. The two main actors’ sing-song interactions were fluid like a dream, but grounded in the palpable emotionality of love and loss. Through this, the lines become blurred, exposing a counter-narrative to traditional views on schizophrenia: perhaps delusion and reality are a symbiotic relationship, from which authentic, beautiful, painful experiences can emerge. An incredibly difficult line to draw, but pulled off so poignantly by Dan and their masterful words.
This performance ushers in a new wave of ethical discussions about previously “taboo” topics, creating a safe space for people to connect with each other. We need more of this. More performances that create empathy and understanding for things that have been misrepresented. More performances that show the multifaceted aspects of people with mental illness, rather than portraying them as nothing but their diagnosis. Chrome Dome and Schizo is a joy to watch, but it is also a joy to experience. And that’s what I think I enjoyed so much about this performance: It was an experience. While there were some technical aspects that didn’t always land, I really liked what was intended, such as with the use of audiovisual material and non-linear structure. Overall, this is a really unique and beautiful performance that prioritizes genuine representation and ethical discussion around mental illness.
You can book your tickets for Chrome Dome and Schizo here!
Director: Rachael Longshaw-Park
Writer: Dan Goodwin
Cast: Georgie Llewellyn, Sahil Arora, Brit O’Rouke and Dan Goodwin
Producer: Nahyeon Lee
Assistant Producer: Kate Fu
Dramaturg: Nathan Joe
Sound Design: Paige Pomana
Lighting Design: Paul Bennett