Oh What a Night!

By Shelby Hearn // 30 June 2011 // Comments: 0 // Related Categories: Nightlife, Review, special event, sydney, Things to do

It was a Wednesday night in June, and what a night! After crimping and curling, primping and twirling, donning my best skirt and my favourite shoes it was off to Circular Quay for a night that was sure to be spectacular! 

I was offered a very cheap ticket and didn’t think twice before saying yes!  So after meeting up with friends we went inside, past the doorman, through the concourse, and we were in! 

After giggling to one another and admiring the lobby and view of harbour it was time to enter the Drama Theatre. We took our seats for the show, a show which by the way I knew nothing about, except the name: Terminus. And here is where you have found me, in the middle of the audience, in my favourite pair of heels, waiting for what I am sure will be a incredible performance, in one of the most famous performance halls in the world. 

It was an Irish drama, one which quickly obliterated all my preconceived notions of Opera House performances. There were no pastel colours, no light music or pretty dresses, rather the stage was dressed in black with broken glass and a empty picture frame the only scenery. 

The lights went down and the show began, thundering music heard overhead and with a sudden blinding flash of light, three lights appeared on stage, one on each of the actors. The play was a series of intertwined monologues, spoken in verse. The language was often quite crude, explicit, and graphic. Within the first 30 minutes a number of people walked out, and I considered following suit. Fighting my surprise and disappointment, I stayed, and I am glad I did! 

Once we hit the 30 minute mark, the show took a giant turn, launching the audience to the edge of their seats, laughing one minute and recoiling the next, entirely engrossed. With many twists and spins, the play took the audience on an emotional rollercoaster, keeping us guessing until the last moment. 

When the lights finally went down the crowd erupted! I left the theatre wonderstruck at the power of simplicity. With no blocking, no set, and only three people on stage, the audience was entirely captivated and transported. 

While tickets can be on the expensive side, if you look for midweek shows, and pick seats a little further back, they become very affordable, even in the larger theatres. Concession tickets are also available for backpackers and students. I suggest shopping around the site. The harder you look, the better the price you will find! I would make it a priority while in Sydney and am considering another trip! 

For tickets to Terminus, running until 9 July 2011, go to The Sydney Opera House website, concession tickets are $35!