THE PRESENT opens to critical acclaim

Andrew Upton’s stunning adaptation of Chekhov’s first play The Present, featuring set and costume design by Alice Babidge, opened August 8 at the Rosyln Packer Theatre.

Here’s what critics are saying about Alice’s design:

“Alice Babidge’s set design is exquisitely executed, from the errant blades of grass shooting through the pavers of the patio, to rain lashed windows intimating a human fish tank, an aquarium of acrimony.” Richard Cotter, Australian Stage

“Alice Babidge’s design offers us a minimalist variation on naturalism, with strong visual statements revealed for every act: a dacha that looks to have been delivered in kit form; the cheerless interior of a reproduction folly destroyed in the aftermath of a dinner party; a misty netherworld in which the vodka-addled Mikhail holds court as the king of disappointment.” Jason Blake, Sydney Morning Herald

“Alice Babidge’s set design is a simple yet idealised backdrop to the story; providing a tangible, realistic house with an element of ‘rough illusion’. The pristine country house is familiar and convincing yet with something not quite real about it; a perfect white house with perfectly clean cut edges and little to give it a ‘homely’ atmosphere, adding an abstract overtone to the physicality of the piece.” Bec Caton, Aussie Theatre

“Alice Babidge’s set creates a slightly austere world for Chekhov-via-Upton’s characters to inhabit … this serves to foreground the characters and their interactions with each other, something Chekhov does almost instinctively, even at such an early age.” Glenn Saunders, ArtsHub

Play runs until September 19. Limited tickets are available on the Sydney Theatre Company website. Photo by Lisa Tomasetti