In Conversation with Jessica Martin | The Effect
- 14 hours ago
- 2 min read
In this week's Backstage Blog, we speak to Jessica Martin, part of the cast of THE EFFECT, coming soon to Theatre Works!
Q: Welcome to Theatre Works! How are final preparations going? What excites you most about bringing The Effect to our stage?
There are so many elements I am excited about, but it’s our team of creatives and performers working together that makes me most excited. There is so much to explore in this text, and alongside our director Alonso Pineda, we have been having a ball diving deep into the world of the script. Each rehearsal a new element of design is being introduced to us as the actors, by our incredible lighting & set designer, Tom Vulcan and sound designer Jack Burmeister. It’s so exciting to see how beautifully it both complements and enhances the work we have been doing in the rehearsal room.
Q: The Effect has lived a life before now - can you catch our readers up a bit about where the show has been before now? What made you decide this needed to be on the Theatre Works stage?
The Effect premiered at London’s National Theatre in 2012, winning the UK Critic’s Circle Award for Best New Play. We saw it reach the Australian stage in 2014 with productions at MTC and STC. In 2023 the play had a London revival, followed by a NYC Production in 2024. After reading the newly revised script we were struck by how relevant this story felt in today’s world, where mental health is so deeply affected by current economic pressures, the political climate, social isolation and loneliness.
Q: You have an impressive team of performers on board - from seasoned theatre veterans to exciting young talents (as a peak behind the curtain, I’m writing this question hours after Damon Baudin’s Green Room Award win!) How have this talented team gone about dissecting this complex text?
Our director Alonso Pineda has guided us through a very detailed script analysis process, which has included lots of research and discussions around the complex themes of the play. I’ve been learning a lot about phase 1 clinical trials, and about the effects of dopamine on the brain. Every rehearsal we are finding more and more in Lucy Prebble’s incredible writing. She encapsulates the human experience in a way that is relatable, raw and moving.
Q: What do you think will surprise audiences about this work?
Alonso has a fantastic eye for combining an excellent script, music and sound elements, technology and set design to fully immerse the audience. With the collaboration of Tom’s set and lighting design, and Jack's sound design, the audience will be transported into our world, and leave as witnesses to the experiment that is unfolding in the world of the play.
Q: What has been the most memorable moment in the process so far?
The first table read and the design presentations were a very special moment for me. Looking around and seeing the incredible cast and creative team that we have brought together for this show was particularly memorable. Each person brings such a wealth of talent and expertise, and it feels really special to be collaborating all together.
THE EFFECT plays at Theatre Works from 8 - 18 April.
Wow, I really enjoyed reading your piece on Jessica Martin and "The Effect"! Her insights into the emotional depth of relationships in the play are so thought-provoking. I loved how you highlighted the nuances of mental health portrayal—it’s such a crucial topic these days. On a lighter note, it reminds me of playing the game FNAF; both involve navigating through challenging terrains! Just like in life and love, we often have to balance speed with caution. Thanks for sharing this conversation; it's refreshing to see art tackle such important themes!