Words: Alex Grunberg
Image: Paula Court
4 Stars
Leah Coloff discovered a devastating letter from her father. What do we do when we
can never impress the people we love?
Coloff tells her story with anger and humour always simmering under the surface of words, lyrics, and a beautiful physicality as she plays her cello. She is most comfortable on stage and I found myself most engrossed in her deeply personal story when she accompanied herself on the instrument she has mastered. She brought the memories to life in her skilful hands as she constructed the soundtrack to her past and present.
The songs in this performance were wonderful. I was expecting the talented playing but was surprised and impressed by her soulful and rock-infused vocals. I would happily listen to this soundtrack that pushed my perceptions of how a cello can fit within different musical genres. And the emotion and artistry of the musical pieces worked to heighten the tension and turmoil as Coloff reckoned with her discovery and its impact.
This is a painful story, and an honest one, about how much the people we love can hurt us. About how desperately we want to love them anyway, reaching for an impossible goal. But there is hope to be found in Coloff’s journey, and beauty in embracing the music.
While her father’s words frame her reflections, Coloff is the one with the power to write her own story.
Super Second Rate
TheSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall, Haldane Theatre
17:20
Aug 14-17