'The Effect' is written by Lucy Pebble, the author of the hit 'Secret Diary of a Call Girl' and explores the universal concept of love.
Is love the most revered of human emotions, or simply a side effect? Enter the world of psychology student Connie who signs up for a clinical trial of a new, super anti-depressant. And then she meets charming and cheeky fellow volunteer Tristan. See what happens when intense chemistry is contained in such controlled conditions.
We spoke with Mark Leonard Winter, who has stepped into the shoes of Tristan and is walking the thin line between what's real and what's unknown.
This show is like... a complete romantic relationship on high-grade - pharmaceutical speed
it makes me... sweaty, and
could be... linked to my current desire to consume alcohol.
What is your role and how did you become involved?
I play Tristan. A traveller-type from Tasmania with an old soul and a romantic streak. I became involved after I spoke to Sarah our director about the project and she sent me the piece. I was deeply moved by it thematically and was excited to find a theatrical world that reflected a lot of my personal preoccupations.
Have you ever been part of any clinical trials or research roles?
No, (but) my buddy did and he went half mad so I thought I'd steer clear. The theatrical process is very similar to a clinical trial. You get locked in a room with strangers, cups of tea and biscuits and all that. Then you get poked and prodded into all sorts of emotional states until you inevitably start crying. Then a whole bunch of anonymous strangers come and sit in the dark watch you and analyse the results over wine. You go home and wonder what happened, wake up and do it all again.
What kind of prep did you do for this role?
I think the preparation for the role is reflected in the above answer. And I had to learn to dance which, like a vet returned from Nam, I still wake up sweating about.
What have you learnt about life from being part of 'The Effect'?
I've learned that regardless of the progression of science and medicine there are certain things that are ancient, unexplained and deeply mysterious. The depths of human beings are staggering. I'm glad that in this age of information there are still certain things we don't have answers for.
Best flirty line that has ever been used on you was?
“Ok honey, can you bend down and buckle my stiletto up one hole?” (which I did, then sat back up). “Fabulous darling, now the other one.” She owned me after that exchange. A truly powerful woman.
What would you like audiences to say as they leave?
“Good effin Lord, I feel like I've been slapped in the neck by an emotional wave of intellectual heart-brain. I'm all shaken up. Honey give me a kiss so I know I'm real. Let's get a drink and I'm buying drinks for the cast all night long. Best money I ever spent on the theatre, it was like the rumble in the jungle. Vintage Ali. What's the babysitters name again? Tell her we're not going to be home for a few hours and let's go make out at a lookout.” I'd be pretty pleased if I heard this.
Anything else readers should know?
With one in four people struggling with depression and four out of four people wanting to be loved, be in love or to shower their love on someone else, it's safe to say this show has something for each and every person who comes to see it.
'The Effect' will be at QTC's Bille Brown Studio until July 5.
