Interactive theatre performance “Sincere Apologies” brings the community together

SENIORS week is in full swing in Port Stephens with “Sincere Apologies” – an interactive theatre experience performed in Soldiers Point Hall on Friday 6 March – giving the community a chance to appreciate the value of saying sorry.

The unconventional performance begins with the opening of a sealed envelope.

“If you’re reading this, it means we didn’t make it. In our absence, please read the instructions below. Sincere apologies, Dan Koop, Jamie Lewis and David Williams.”

As it turns out, the entire show is in the hands of the audience.

Fifty sealed envelopes are distributed, and all participants are asked to read their contents.

They are real apologies – sometimes funny, sometimes heartbreaking, awkward, sad, facetious or sincere.

Some quotes are well-known and come from famous celebrities and politicians, such as Kevin Rudd’s National Apology to Indigenous Australians.

Some are local to the area such as, “I’m sorry to hear of your experience, however you left a review on the wrong account, as we do not operate a business that serves meals,” answers the Soldier’s Point Marina to a negative review.

And some even belong to the unseen creators of the show, allowing the audience to form a connection with them even when not present.

“I’m sorry I’m not there with you right now, mama. I hope you can recover soon so that you can meet your granddaughter when she gets here,” is an unsent message recited by Jamie Lewis, one of the authors.

Some apologies are even dated from the future, reminding that there is still time to take action before it becomes too late.

By the end of the performance, all audience members have apologised to each other on behalf of someone else.

Some have done it more convincingly, some more awkwardly, but with all the apologies being made there is no other option than to forgive each other for everything.

By Nico LOMBARDO