NYMPH - Adelaide Fringe Review
Image credit: Jennifer Trijo
NYMPH is a theatre-development show featuring key songs, original score, and segments from a broader work titled ‘Dragonfly’, written and composed by Filipino-Australian actor and musician Jennifer Trijo.
With surrealist-esque melodies and a greater philosophical undertone, it follows the story of a Daydreamer named Sol (Joey Haenen) who encounters a Sleepwalker named Luna (Sophie Volp), whose lives cross paths in the dark-eclipsed surrounds of nature.
Trijo as Nature leads as the main narrator, with several poets in the ensemble supporting the delivery of the storyline, vocals, and music. Featured poets include Ellie Esdene Mcmahon, Max Garcia Underwood, and Gabriel Sharra.
Moments before the plot begins to take its place, Trijo opens the performance with an entrancing foray of stunningly-polished vocals intertwined with the mysterious darkness of what is about to unfold.
Sol and Luna initially cross paths in a subdued-confrontational manner, as two human beings seemingly from different worlds. Clouded by misunderstanding, they soon find common ground from a deeper introspection into their aura and envisions of their destiny.
Both Sol and Luna’s physical movements on stage are subtle but bold in meaning; twisting and tangling their way to understand each other. As the beholder environment of the narrative, Nature plays its role as the one to be the slightly witty knower of wisdom and knowledge in providing depth to the storyline.
Sol and Luna work through several stages of understanding through the seasons of nature, at times dangling with the idea that heads towards a romantic or platonic connection. This seems to be ambiguous in interpretation, but one thing is for certain: that even a brief crossing together of two distinct lives can truly be life-changing.
Each of the poets have their own moment in the spotlight, through solo and group harmonics, instrumentals, and song. Their collective camaraderie surrounding Sol, Luna, and Nature produce both a performance from the heart and soul, invoking audience members to deeply embody the messages of living as your truest self and striving for your own path.
Undoubtedly, NYMPH is quintessentially beautiful, both in Trijo’s original score and storyline. Feeling teary-eyed through several parts of the performance is most likely inevitable for audience members, and it will leave you truly inspired to break free from the shackles and from the path you think you’re supposed to follow in your universe.
Keep an eye on the further development of this production by following Trijo along on her journey.
Rating: ★★★★1/2
Show details: NYMPH - Adelaide Fringe
