People Will Think You Don't Love Me
The world premiere of Joanna Erskine’s "People Will Think You Don’t Love Me" is a breathtaking psychological thriller that explores the boundaries of love, loss, and identity. Rooted in Sydney’s unique heartbeat, this production captures both the familiar and the uncanny, drawing audiences into an intimate yet disorienting world. Performed at the compact KXT Theatre near Broadway and presented by Little Trojan in association with Bakehouse Theatre Company, this haunting tale showcases the power of local storytelling in a setting filled with creativity and emotional resonance.
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KXT’s intimate stage amplifies emotion. Audiences are flanked seated on either side where they can observe not only the actors but also the reactions of those opposite which heightens moments of heartbreak and tension. Sam Wylie’s minimalist set—stacked with packing boxes, a beaten-up couch, an IKEA butcher’s block, and an upright piano—created a sense of claustrophobia and disarray, mirroring the characters’ unravelling lives.
The sound design played a pivotal role, underscoring the tension and amplifying the anxiety of pivotal scenes. Subtle hums, sharp crescendos, and haunting silences allowed the audience to ride the emotional waves set by the actors, enhancing the play’s psychological depth.
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​Image by Phil Erbacher​
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Director Jules Billington masterfully shaped this production, crafting moments of unbearable tension while ensuring the narrative’s emotional core remained intact. The performances were stellar across the board.
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Grace Naoum, as Liz, delivered an unforgettable monologue about caregiving, loss, and heartbreak, moving many in the audience to tears. Her portrayal vividly captured the torment of loving someone through illness, only to lose them again as they drift into the arms of another. Ruby Maishman’s Tommy brought an electric energy, her raw, edgy presence clashing beautifully with Liz’s yearning for stability. Together, their dynamic embodied the emotional chaos of the story.
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Tom Matthews as Michael brought depth to his role, with moments of musicality that added layers to his character. His exploration of memory, identity, and a heart that no longer feels fully his created a haunting portrayal of internal conflict.
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Joanna Erskine’s writing weaves Sydney into the narrative, offering a backdrop that feels deeply Australian while touching on universal questions about identity and love. The concept of cellular memory—whether our passions and memories reside in our hearts or our heads—was explored with nuance and intrigue. For those unfamiliar with the grief of losing a loved one or the turmoil of a transplant, the play offered an empathetic and enlightening lens. I was sat next to a couple who were particularly moved by the moments of care by the character Liz, and I felt like they were perhaps reliving an experience of their own. This show sets up the challenge of what it takes to love someone through illness, how the roles change, and how difficult it can be to come back from that. It’s a unique situation we get an intimate peak into as the audience.
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"People Will Think You Don’t Love Me" is a gripping, emotionally raw production that lingers long after the final bow. With its brilliant cast, immersive sound design, and layered storytelling, this play is a moving exploration of love, identity, and the mysteries of the human heart. A must-see for anyone looking to be provoked. I found myself discussing the topic long after the show had ended.
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"People Will Think You Don't Love Me" plays at KXT on BROADWAY until the 30th November.
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