A play about ‘sex to change the course of the world’? It’s only natural to be drawn to such a production, and it does sound like it will appeal to sci-fi fiends, theatre-goers and the curious among us. A (somewhat) simple set with a small cast – just three in fact – ‘Boom’ pulls you in from the start not through something profoundly engaging, but from its opening lines that swoop straight into a promise of some on-stage action and humour.
Directed by David Lim, ‘Boom’ is the KLPac production of the original script written by American playwright and actor Peter Sinn Nachtrieb. Without giving too much of the plot away, here’s what’s already on the flyer: A journalism student, Jo, replies to an online personal ad promising an evening of casual sex, but her night takes an unexpected twist when she discovers two things: one, the author of that personal ad is Jules, an asexual marine biology student; two, he wants to have sex because a ‘global catastrophic event’ is happening and the no-strings-attached sex invitation is really a premise for something of a larger and more significant scale – procreation to save mankind! Arguments ensue, things happen and you’re glued to your seat wondering what’s going on.
Speaking of arguments, what ‘Boom’ has going for it is obviously its elaborate dialogue and bizarre, witty characters. Scientific references are abundant from Jules (wonderfully portrayed by Jon Chew), and you can’t help but warm up to him in a very Sheldon Cooper-like way. Having said that, I felt that the script also became the play’s weakness. The rebellious, almost nihilistic character of Jo is seen through her cynicism and wit (as well as her penchant for saying a phrase that sounds like 'Mother tucker'), but it felt a bit forced coming from Sharon Lam – too much focus was on remembering her lines that acting took a back seat. The play’s overall storyline became too abstract to handle at times, especially when one side of your brain is constantly trying to figure out who that mysterious woman pulling the lever is (you’ll know what I’m talking about when you watch the play) while the other tries to focus on what’s being said on stage.
While the plot isn’t as clear cut as I’d hoped, I did find ‘Boom’ to be an entertaining play; it’s proof that one doesn’t need fancy props and a large stage to tell a big story about fate and humankind. What’s baffling is that David Lim called it a ‘Very straightforward play that’s easy to follow’ – he may have overestimated us a little bit there. Watch it for the experience, but be prepared for a brain workout.
'Boom' runs at KLPac until Feb 26. For info, see listing.
