Two actors, one family kitchen, and a giant jar of pickles – that’s all you’ll see on stage throughout this play. And, while this provides plenty for the characters to grapple with for the 90-minute duration, the relatively minimalist production is as much a result of a strict budget as it is intentional design.
Pickled was staged as part of Belvoir St Theatre’s 25A initiative. With the sole purpose of developing and promoting independent and emerging voices, 25A requires the artists to produce shows for less than $2,500. In return, they get use of Belvoir St’s downstairs theatre space as well as 100% of the box office revenue. So, when you go and see Pickled, you can feel pretty smug knowing that you’re supporting local, up-and-coming, and often marginalised voices.
So what’s Pickled about?
Pickled follows two estranged Lebanese-Australian brothers, Yousef and Sammy, in the hours before their mother’s funeral. With a heap of emotional and literal baggage to unpack, the brothers navigate the logistics of preparing their home for a barrage of relatives, friends, and acquaintances – many of whom they haven’t seen in years. And, as the inevitable tensions, reminiscing, and sibling squabbles unfold, we learn about the brothers’ childhood, their fractured relationship, their feelings towards their mother (both good and bad), and the events that led to their estrangement.
At the centre of this is the complexities of sexuality and Arab culture – and how this impacts one’s sense of identity and belonging (or lack thereof). Through heated discussions, flashback conversations with their mother, and childhood videos, we learn why Yousef felt that leaving his family behind was the only way to live his life as a gay man. But, as the brothers work their way through the pre and post-funeral emotions, the repercussions of this decision are unravelled. The impact on his younger brother, Sammy becomes increasingly clear – particularly as he stayed at home and cared for his mother through her battle with cancer.
Oh, and their only inheritance is a jar of pickles, so they’ve got that wrap their heads around too…
Is Pickled worth seeing?
In short – yes. While it’s rough around the edges, it’s a moving and thoughtful piece. Despite the sad circumstances, it’s funny, awkward, and joyful all at once. From sticky silences to light-hearted audience interaction, the raw emotions are contrasted beautifully by humour throughout.
Pickled is perfectly suited for the downstairs space at Belvoir St Theatre. Small and intimate, it feels like you are in the living room with the characters. The set looks like it’s mostly cobbled together by things the team could beg borrow and steal from their own homes. This works brilliantly – adding to the realism and familiarity of the family home. Antony Makhlouf in particular shines as Yousef, bringing an excellent combination of comic timing, subtlety, and emotional depth to the role.
Judging by the reactions from several audience members, there’s a refreshing and detailed authenticity to Pickled. From cultural traditions to social behaviours, it explores human turmoil from a specific and under-represented perspective. Yet, there’s a universal appeal to the story. Although I have no idea what it’s like to be the gay son of Lebanese immigrants raised in Australia, I could relate to the sibling tension, the family politics, the pain, the joy, the grief, and the parental scolding – even when it was in Arabic. And, as a daughter who cared for her mother through terminal cancer – and had the inevitable sibling spats that come with it – Pickled pushed many an emotional button. The realisation that parents are full and flawed human beings, the guilt of moving away from home, the default family politics that come with simply having siblings, and the silly little details you get hung up on during the worst of times – it all hit home.
All in all, Pickled is an enjoyable combination of humour and highly relatable emotion. So, whether you’re up for supporting emerging theatre talent, want to learn more about under-represented cultures, or need to feel all the feels in a safe space, head down to Belvoir St Theatre to get Pickled.
The Details
Pickled is playing at Belvoir St Theatre from 20 Aug – 8 Sep 2024
Show Times: Tue & Wed 6:45pm, Thu, Fri, Sat 7:45pm, Sunday 5:15pm
Tickets: $25
For more info about Pickled and to keep up with future tour dates, head to PYT Fairfield.
