Constellations is an thought-provoking play produced by Silo Theatre and written by British playwright Nick Payne that tells the story of a relationship between a man and a woman. Maarire (Renaye Tamati) is a physicist, Rowley (Jarod Rawiri) is a beekeeper.
But this is not a typical, linear telling of their romance. It unfolds as a series of incidents in their lives and asks the question – what if?
Early on Maarire references the contentious theory that any action or choice we make in life spins off to create multiple realities and this is what the play tackles.
Every significant moment in the couple’s lives from their first meeting at a barbecue through to moving in together, the various arguments, the laughter and the tears, is repeated in scene after scene. Each retelling is different in some way – sometimes subtle, sometimes the action is reversed. The outcomes differ, as does the tone and the mood.
Yet despite these shifts the story seems to move towards an inevitability – no matter the varying realities, the outcome may well be the same in the end.
The constant shifting and replaying of scenes is something that demands concentration, but what keeps one engaged is the very solid performances and connection between Tamati and Rawiri.
The chemistry between the two is strong and they seem to dance around one another adroitly. Both of them deliver nuanced differences in personality, humour, and emotion depending on which of the realities were are viewing.
Changes in time or reality are capably demonstrated by simple gestures or a sudden intake of breath. The duo also delivered one scene in NZSL and another in reo flawlessly which was wonderful to experience.
What Constellations manages to do is take a fresh look at relationships and explores the perennial notion of how different our lives might have been if we’d made different choices. Having watched this intriguing story unfold I’m not sure if there is a multiverse, but I enjoyed the speculation.
CONSTELLATIONS
2- 19 July 2026
Q Theatre – Auckland
