The Lifespan of a Fact

By Jeremy Kareken, David Murrell and Gordon Farrell

Based on the book by John D’Agata and Jim Fingal

Director Paige Rattray

Roslyn Packer Theatre until October 22

Reviewed by Ron Lee, CSP

The shrewd, sharp-tongued Emily Penrose is the editor of a prestigious magazine. She assigns a seemingly simple task to a young intern, Jim, who is thrilled to be given the once-in-a lifetime assignment, the chance to fact check a new essay by a writer whom he idolises, John D’Agata.

As Jim diligently and methodically begins his work, scrutinising each detail, he discovers that separating fact from fiction isn’t as easy as it seems. The three titanic personalities must negotiate their competing goals, egos, and values to reach some semblance of the truth and get the article to print.

Facts aren’t necessarily the same to everyone; they’re often subjective. In fact, facts are almost always subjective. All of our observations are determined by our perspectives and our perceptions.

It’s a delight to see Sigrid Thornton in a necessarily powerful role in her first outing with the Sydney Theatre Company. Gareth Davies is the resolute John D’Agata, and it’s personally gratifying to see, as Jim Fingal, Charles Wu, an Asian actor cast in a not-essentially-racially-specific role.

To add a unique mood to dynamic is musician Maria Alfonsine.