Set in New York, Sister Cities is a
contemporary drama written by Colette Freedman who also appears in
the play. It is a beautifully constructed work with flashes of real
insight and humour.
Mary Baxter (Jill Gascoine), a woman in her
70’s and who has led an eventful life, has died in unusual
circumstances. Austin (Collette Freedman), a writer and one of her
four daughters and who still lived with her, calls her three
sisters. They arrive at the house .There is Carolina (Susan Ziegler)
the oldest, recently divorced and a top lawyer; Dallas (Nickella
Moschettii) a teacher and happily married. and Baltimore (Jade
Sealey) the youngest at 26 and still a student.
The conversations between the sisters
sizzle since Mary has had her daughters by four different husbands
in four different locations. They sisters are not naturally close.
The play is in 5 Scenes. Mary appears in
Scene 4, set one week earlier. This is a pivotal part of the play.
First, she is in conversation with Austin and then alone when she
looks back on her life.
In the final scene, tension mounts as the
sisters through off any pretence and they reveal their innermost
thoughts and emotions. Wonderfully acted and under the sharp
direction of Elise Robertson, this is a play that should cause us to
reflect on some of the values of Western society.
*****
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