Indigo Creative, with director Iona Pitic, brings to the stage a drama about friendship and how two characters navigate this throughout the years – it is an exploration of Zoe and Becca, played by Stephanie Renaelau and YY Yong.
Time and Time Again is not shouting from the rooftops, nor is it proclaiming the secret to lasting friendship. In front of us, we have two characters, paper, and many chairs.
The chairs take the form of endless props, including a bathtub. They are portraying their story: a strong bond, pinky promises for the future, being present for each other, separations for study, and reuniting.
Zoe is more vocal, often dancing, while Becca remains on the sidelines. Becca tells her story timidly, and there is a strong reaction from Zoe, impressed by how Becca’s father had learned Cantonese to impress her mother. Becca seems to feel a sense of inferiority compared to Zoe’s situation.
The music plays a significant role, as does the sound design, with each scene blasting time-travel noise. Becca has chosen to marry someone who has cheated on her, and there is a scene where Zoe teaches Becca to be assertive in how she approaches infidelity.
Zoe graduates and appears to be relatively successful, but she is let go. There is no conflict here, which suggests that while Zoe can teach Becca life skills, she may need a mentor herself.
Although coherent, it feels underdeveloped, lacking lustre and at times a bit wishy-washy. For the subject of migration, perhaps their struggles could be highlighted more. There is dialogue in their native language, and Becca appears perpetually pensive.
This piece shows promise, energy, and concentration, but we get the impression that Becca is hiding a secret – and maybe breaking that wall could open her character a little more.
Zoe is sometimes flippant and noncommittal towards her friend, who may be awaiting something more. There is a sense of moving on, where the ‘pinky promises’ for the future feel futile and empty.
We can understand that Zoe is going through the motions of making friends and embarking upon ‘societal norms’. It would have been beneficial to have more insight into this.
Promises of pink dresses and such take the light, and the forgiveness displayed reveals two young women with mutual respect for individuality and choices.
There are some touching moments, a plot with heart and feeling, and ultimately an exploration of two people growing up and facing the world, grounded in the deep knowledge of their tightly defined friendship.
