Stated simply, a constellation is a group of stars that make up a pattern. Constellations is also the title of a play by Nick Payne.
This sense of security in a pattern is balanced with how sometimes the universe acts unpredictably, as in the case in Payne’s play.
The play has only two characters: Roland a beekeeper and Marian a quantum physicist. With these two scientists, one of the earth’s and one of the universe’s at its heart, the play is the romantic story of boy meets girl.
I spoke to producer and director, Adam Dear on why he decided to do this play.
Dear told me the main reason was he performed in the play ten years ago and that it had only been performed in Tasmania once, about six years ago. The play has been a success in Melbourne, Sydney, London, the West End and Broadway and will soon be performed in Indonesia.
It is a play that can accommodate many different places because it has few instructions and directions focusing on the text. It is reminiscent of Shakespeare’s plays with this sparsity allowing the director to shape it as his own and indeed Dear is happy with what he has created, done from a clean slate and not pertaining to that performance he did many years ago.
Marianne, as a quantum physicist believed in multiple universes and so in the play many different scenarios are displayed. Marianne wrestles with the issue of lack of control of her life, with many possibilities of how she handles this open to discussion.
The play is a discussion starter on all the big issues we humans are faced with, including that universe of patterns that sometimes throws an irregularity.
Does Constellations give us answers? You will have to go along to the performance to decide that.
Constellations can be seen later this month in the capital.
Where: Peacock Theatre, Hobart
When: 29–31 May 2025
Tickets: General Admission: $35, Concession: $30, Matinee: $30, SAC Associate Members: $29.50, Matinee Concession: $25
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