Deemed as one of the most thought provoking pieces of the 21st century, Blackbird is a one-act, two-character play which revolves around the consequences of underage sexual relations. Written by David Harrower, Blackbird tackles the questions our modern day society doesn't bother to ask: is the adult really guilty and is the child always innocent?

is the adult really guilty and is the child always innocent?"

After having been convicted and jailed for six years for having sex with a minor, Ray changes his name and flees to start a new life. Una, the 12 year old he left behind however, continues to grow up under the scrutiny of the public eye, faces ridicule and prejudice and the mandatory therapy that comes along with the territory of having been sexually abused. Fifteen years pass before she manages to catch up with him again and just like an apparently forgotten nightmare, this spontaneous meeting with the full grown woman Ray abused as a child, has him gasping for air and scratching for answers.

The set wraps around the audience, inviting us to intrude, allowing us no retreat. We're in for the long haul. Bins are overflowing within the staff room, a metaphor for all the unsaid that is about to spew forth from both Ray and Una's sub-conscious. If Una is seeking vengeance or even a reason from her attacker, her clothing does not seem to reflect that. A daringly red one-piece shirt-dress with knee high black boots screams dominating female. And at times she is just that, taunting Ray about his supposed love for her, forcing him to hear about her aftermath when he left her and finally attacking him physically. Yet, in the next line or so, Una will then break down, apparently weakened by the man in front of her. Leisha Ward Knox's guttural cries whenever Ray leaves her alone gives light to Una's disturbing need for the man she had at 12. Michael Hurst holds a broken character, hoping to continue on with his life and yet forced to relive his actions and emotions. Both Hurst and Knox dance through their lines as if batting a ping pong ball across the table, smooth and fluid but hard and silencing at the same time.

Inspired by the true events of sex offender Toby Studebaker, Harrower poses well laid out therapist theories of sexual abusers, deeper motivations of the characters and even has us questioning the moral of a love between a 40 year old and a 12 year old. Just when you think the characters have come full circle, another spanner is thrown into the works and you're left with more questions.

The most disturbing thought remains after the lights close on Blackbird, what was Una really after? And will she ever get it?

Auckland Theatre Company presents Blackbird, directed by Margaret-Mary Hollins. Running from from September 4 until September 27 at the Maidment Theatre in Auckland. Bookings can be made at the Maidment Theatre 09 308 2383 or www.atc.co.nz

Tags: atc, Blackbird, Michael Hurst