Rebecca Gilman's tightly written play presents us with an eternal struggle: ethical dilemmas that frequently taunt professionals in law and human services when they navigate decisions involving the lives of children. I was immediately reminded of Ian McEwen's recent novel 'The Children Act' - currently challenging audiences as a film.
Baby Luna Gale has been labelled a 'neglected ' child by the authorities and social worker Caroline Cox (Georgie Parker) is assigned to resolve the question of who is best suited to care for Luna into the future.
The play's director Susana Dowling has created knife-edge tension with this very fine script and the entire ensemble of actors hold us close in and tense.
Baby Luna's teenage parents are fuelled by an ice addiction living in squalid a scene and appear incapable of caring for themselves. There is something in Caroline's past and her acute professional skills when actively listening to the parents that create a palpable trust between them.
When Caroline suggests that Luna's maternal grandmother has applied to take the baby, Karlie (Lucy Heffernan) reveals her horror. Her grip on life is as a religious zealot. Karlie passionately articulates the impact her mother Cindy's (Michelle Doake) beliefs assaulted her in childhood. The speech is harrowing, compelling and convincingly delivered and Caroline finds herself erring on the side of a moral dilemma as she weighs up what is the best decision for baby Luna.
Georgie Parker is superb as she ambushes her audience in the drama of exploring what it takes to protect baby Luna. Who will she recommend to care for her?
This play needs direction that keeps an even hand on the tiller. It must sail pas tolerance and intolerance, blame and shame, truth and lies and yet, explore all of these depths. The entire ensemble including the creative team have delivered excellence and the audience were on their feet in appreciation.
