Entering the venue at a breathless dash and apologising for her lateness, Jessica Phillippi immediately plunges the audience into ‘The Translator’s Dilemma’. It’s only as she begins welcoming us to “class” that we realise she is already acting. This stark naturalism makes the play as difficult to watch as it is compelling. Covering a class for a friend, the eponymous translator realises that the prepared lesson is on a subject too close to home: a greedy corporation whose crimes resulted in her parents’ deaths. A harrowing portrayal of her descent into hysteria and near-insanity is marred only by the odd confusing line and plot hole. Though imperfect in places, Phillippi’s excellent performance means that this production shines.

Princes Mall, 6 – 27 Aug (not 16, 17, 18), 1.00pm (2.00pm), free, fpp308.
tw rating 4/5
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