REVIEW: TIME AND TIME AGAIN by Indigo Creative at The Space Theatre 22 – 26 October

‘The greatest strength of this production lies in its warmth and optimism’ ★★★★
 

I would argue that theatre is a space where imagination transforms into tangible experiences at its heart. In Time and Time Again, this magic almost takes shape, drawing audiences into an exploration of friendship, time, and migration’s inevitable impact on personal identity.

The play opens with a powerful premise: “I only have 9,582 days left. If I go home once a year during Christmas and spend one week with friends and family, I will have 315 days with them. But the truth is, maybe we don’t even have 315 days.” This thought-provoking countdown underscores the urgency of our connections and highlights how vital our time with loved ones truly is.

Focusing on Becca and Zoe, the play presents a series of vignettes that capture key moments in their lives. Instead of following a traditional narrative structure, Time and Time Again weaves together scenes and memories, creating a heartfelt tapestry that reflects the ebb and flow of real friendships. With just six chairs as set pieces, the production cleverly transforms space and time, showcasing an innovative and evocative economy of storytelling.

The greatest strength of this production lies in its warmth and optimism, even amidst life’s challenges such as weddings, funerals, and migrations. YY Yong and Stephanie Renae Lau shine on stage, bringing vibrant energy even in the toughest moments. The clear choices regarding movement, song, and acting effectively define each scene, allowing the audience to engage with the characters' journeys with the direction by Ioana Pitic. The lighting by Henry Paul Rehberg and sound design by Victoria Rose Ríos enhance the production, transforming the stage across various times and spaces. Camelia Kelerman’s versatile design of the six chairs serves the story well, adding a clever simplicity to the set.

While the play’s sensitive approach to its themes is commendable, I find myself yearning for even more stories that carry such warmth. This production has the potential to create theatrical “magic,” where imagination overtakes the material world. By incorporating symbolic or transformative elements that serve as a thematic throughline, the show could further anchor the fleeting, dreamlike quality of the characters’ memories. Although the chairs are practical scene-setting tools, introducing additional visual or symbolic elements could deepen the audience's emotional connection to the story.

Time and Time Again resonates with anyone who has left home, tapping into core memories and the universal need to feel understood while pursuing our dreams. It is a touching exploration of friendship, memory, and the cost of distance, filled with moments that showcase the magic that theatre does best. Above all, this production courageously embodies optimism, making it a brave and uplifting theatrical experience.

Co-Creator/Producer/Director - Ioana Pitic

Co-Creator/Producer/Performer - Stephanie Renae Lau

Co-Creator/Producer/Performer - YY Yong

Sound Designer - Victoria Rose Ríos

Lighting Designer - Henry Paul Rehberg

Set & Costume Designer - Camelia Kelerman

@indigocreatesuk

Indigo Creative is a multidisciplinary devising trio creating bold, impactful work with heart. Merging our specialisms in performance (European theatre art, dance, and playwriting), we are interested in exploring the uniqueness of our experiences as women, migrants, and creatives, and how it impacts the way we relate to the world around us.