The Girl of Ink and Stars, a novel by Kiran Millwood Hargrave, is a story I have not yet had the pleasure of reading, however if this adaptation by Barra Collins is anything to go by, I look forward to turning those pages! It is a beautiful tale, told by a tight-knit ensemble, of a young female islander using her knowledge, intuition and bravery to find her dear friend. I mention her gender because this story is a perfect platform for a strong female lead, a piece most certainly passing the Bechdel test, and these are so few and far between in the entertainment industry that I sat happily knowing this work is out there, burning to be seen, and loved by the young people it is aimed at. As a production, I was completely immersed in the world they created with every visual and audible aspect a treat to experience. I most certainly got lost in the rustic Island of Joya. But, and more importantly to me, as a piece of storytelling, this is where the production triumphs. The devises used to tell this tale were simple, effective and brought a smile onto my face with the sheer inventiveness of it. And if that wasn’t enough, we are told stories within the story. Every moment is picturesque, imprinting itself in your mind as you leave the theatre. Skilfully executed by the 10 strong cast, performed with clarity, daring (most certainly from a physical standpoint) and openness; this epic tale, humbly told, is well worth the watch. Please ensure you catch it before it’s too late!

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Daniel Thomas

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