Secret Life of Humans - Joondalup Encore Theatre Society

Reviewed by Louis Trembath

What is the human condition?

How do we know if humanity is advancing when we witness the atrocities that are committed? Where do we draw the line between what is right and what is wrong?

Would you like to know the truth about your family history, despite what it could reveal?

Are dating apps the best way to meet people?

These are some of the questions – and many more - that are presented and loosely answered in Secret Life of Humans written by David Byrne.

Secret Life of Humans is a historical-fictional production presented by Joondalup Encore Theatre Society, and directed by Audrey Poor and Jason Robert Lester which focuses on the life and experiences of mathematician and documentarian Dr. Jacob “Bruno” Bronowski - and his secret room filled with the secrets of his past which is unlocked fifty years after his death by his Grandson, Jamie, and his tinder date, Ava. What ensues is a moral debate about humanity, the ethics that we are tied to both during times of hardship and happiness, and how we understand our own personal identity through ourselves and others.

The cast for the production includes Oliver Rogers as Dr. Jacob “Bruno” Bronowski, Melissa Humphries as Ava, Jash Kapoor as Jamie Bronowski, Zai Cook as George, Leila Le Map as Rita Bronowski, and The Ensemble Cast of Fletcher Woodfield, Lisya Lee, and Jack Sneddon.

Although the focus of the production is on Dr. Jacob “Bruno” Bronowski, who is spectacularly played by Oliver Rogers, the leading lady of the night is Ava, played by Melissa Humphries, who immediately connects with the audience and pulls them into the production with carefully paced monologues, audience engagement, and timekeeping.

Overall, all the performers in this production worked seamlessly together, understood their connections to each other, and the history surrounding themselves. A mix of movement pieces from the Ensemble, and comedic timing helped to make the production entertaining to watch.

A note to make would be the need for projection and to avoid repeating lines rather than performing them.

The audio/visual effects of the night were designed and presented by Meghan Offe, with Audrey Poor at the helm as the Stage Manager, as well as the director. While the overall theatre experience was beautifully designed and presented in terms of lighting and sound, there were times when the sound was at lower levels and lighting or sound cues seemed to be missed or lights were left on.

The use of a projector to present pre-recorded videos of both the past and present was also utilised, and was at times both intriguing and repetitive - sometimes utilising the same video multiple times in different scenes to enhance what was being said on stage. A shift in the location of some set pieces might also be encouraged, as some of the video projections were blocked by the bookcases in the centre of the stage.

The stage design and set pieces for the production were designed with the theatre stage levels in St Stephen’s Theatre in mind, with set pieces on the above and below levels of the theatre, entwining past and present together – all designed to give a timely feel to set the era in which Bruno resides, and presents itself as the assumed inheritance of his grandson, Jamie. 

Overall, the whole production connected with the audience and although the production may require a slight shift to sound levels, extra attention to lighting cues, and the use of projection from the actors, Secret Life of Humans is an engaging production and an incredible piece of theatre.

Reviewer Note: Tickets for this review were provided by the theatre company.