Rob is frightened. Of sharks, of psycho killers, of being single for the rest of his life. But his biggest fear, and the most rational on the list, is losing his memories. He saw his grandmother decline and eventually die with dementia, and dreads becoming the person who's unable to remember anyone from their past. He talks to us directly, the thirty something actor who's uncertain where his life is going; plays his five year self who first experienced death and loss when his beloved pet fish died; and his imaginary future self, talking to his partner about the knowledge that he is losing his ability to remember. As the latter he replays the memories of their first date, second date... the things you think you'll never forget.
It's a powerful work from Australian Rob Gaetano, based on his own experiences and fears, and an intensely personal and heartfelt performance. Despite minor costume changes and shifts in lighting the scene changes aren't always clearly delineated and this caused minor confusion at times. Perhaps the already striking sound backing could have helped more in this respect. But that's a small quibble in what was a strong and affecting drama, with the use of the scattered keys an enduring metaphor for memories.
This was the last performance of the play.
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