Words: Haneul Lee

5 stars

When you first enter the space for Good Boy, the minimalist set—two pink chairs, a fluffy rug, and a furry storage box—gives the impression of simplicity, almost deceiving you into thinking you know what’s coming. Boy (James Farley) sits solemnly, waiting for his STI screening, and the understated setup immediately sets the tone for an intimate and revealing play.

Lighting and sound play crucial roles in enhancing the emotional impact. Director Sophia Vi skilfully uses pink hues to evoke the innocence of first times and transitions deep reds into blacks to underscore darker experiences. The sound design is equally effective, with romantic music during Farley’s first kiss contrasting sharply with the unnerving silence that follows as he unravels memories of a traumatic relationship. Vi isn’t afraid to oscillate between kitschy sounds and stark silence, amplifying tension in key moments.

At the heart of Good Boy is Farley’s self-awareness. His performance is disarming and relatable, blending sharp humour with the play’s heavier themes. He navigates the discomfort of his experiences—from awkward first encounters to the more sinister aspects of his sexual past—with a compelling mix of playfulness and vulnerability.

These elements converge to create a powerful piece. As Boy endures a series of complex and often painful sexual encounters, the stark set, evocative lighting, elements of sound, and Farley’s reflective narration heighten the emotional stakes, deepening the impact as he faces one harrowing experience after another, making his journey all the more poignant and affecting.

Good Boy
theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall
20:55
Aug 19-24