As the dancefloor heaves and pulses, Sonder breathes heavily throughout the space, transporting the audience deep into the heart of one man’s journey to himself.
Romeo has something to prove – he is a warrior, he is capable of the rite of passage and above all, he is entitled to be loved. Knock down after knock down tries to keep him down but Romeo is determined to get back up and take up the space that he is granted.
Riki Lindsey’s writing is nothing short of beautiful and deeply moving – an exquisite entanglement of both poetry and prose, he knows the exact right combination of words to frame a perfect motif.
Lindsey’s writing is superbly paired with Mitchell Sloan’s music – bouncing from nightclub to haunting hollowness, the rhythm and melodies wrap performer and audience and cradle each through the rocky road the character journeys on.
Alexander Berlage masterfully creates so much from seemingly so little – concentrating on the words, sounds, silence and movement of the work and guiding it gently yet firmly through each heartbreak/bursting state. Berlage finds the precise balance within the work to hold an audience still and then thrust them head first into Romeo’s world.
Riki Lindsey as Romeo showcases his utterly limitless talent – with a cheeky grin and soulful vocals, Lindsey morphes effortlessly into Romeo, spilling his story out onto the stage with complete conviction. There were, however, a few moments of disconnect within the delivery that made it hard to fully invest in Lindsey’s performance.
Alexander Berlage once again flexes their creative muscles by bringing what can only be described as the most perfect set and lighting design to grace the Old Fitz stage. The many ways in which both elements were incorporated into the work were absolutely flawless – transforming the space from a nightclub to a broken mirror within the same breath.
Sonder‘s blend of culture, conviction and craving to be loved raises this work above simple story telling and allows audiences to witness a work of musical theatre not just pushing against, but rejecting the traditional form.
SONDER
Old Fitz Theatre, 129 Dowling Street, Woolloomooloo (Sydney)
Season continues to 23 May 2026
Information and Bookings: www.oldfitztheatre.com.au
Images: Riki Lindsey in Sonder – photos by Jessie Obialor
Review: Gavin Roach