Textbook portrayal of grieving stereotypes fails to cohere : a review

Abstract

JANIS Balodis's Engine appears to have an educative purpose.

Following the tragic death of her brother Stevie in a car crash, Natasha and her family struggle to cope with the devastation this sudden trauma has dealt them.

Overlooked by her grieving parents, Natasha expresses her emotions by skipping school, self-harming and, as Engine unfolds, trying to enlist her Grumpop to help her finish rebuilding the car that could have saved Stevie's life by eliminating his need to catch a ride with a car full of friends.

The symbolic action that drives Engine - rebuilding the car to rebuild Natasha and Grumpop's lives in the wake of trauma and guilt - is full of potential.

It gives the design team, particularly designer Justin Nardella and composer Matt Hill, a strong premise to construct the garage that transforms into a home, a school, a church, a part, and the road on which the accident took place as the play unfolds.