[Theatre Review] Dive by Wild Rice – A Poignant Exploration of Love’s Dark Side

Dive, currently staged at Wild Rice’s intimate studio at Funan, is a heart-wrenching yet thoughtful exploration of the complexities of intimate partner violence, written by Laura Hayes and directed by Sim Yan Ying (“YY”). Running from 5–22 September 2024, this production seeks to push the boundaries of conventional theatre with its experimental storytelling and layered performances.

The narrative follows a couple from the dizzying highs of young love through the years, gradually revealing the toxic undercurrents that begin to erode their relationship. The writing is sharp, with dialogue that oscillates between moments of tender love and unsettling tension, effectively capturing the emotional volatility in such relationships.

The non-linear structure, use of space, and carefully crafted lighting transitions pull the audience deeper into the characters’ emotional journey. The sparse stage and props, limited cast of four actors, distilled everything to the minimal so the focus is on the relationship dynamics between the two main characters.

Actors Irsyad Dawood, Jean Ng, Ebi Shankara, and Ellison Tan delivered convincing performances, portraying the delicate shifts between affection, confusion, and control with haunting subtlety. The line between love and hate is fine and can easily tip over to either side in an intense relationship. This concept was well depicted and you can almost feel the raw pain of both characters tugging at your heartstring as the play progresses, with bits of it ringing close to home, drawing on our own experiences.

Artfully, the play struck a balance between intense drama and occasional moments of dark humour, which provides brief relief in an otherwise emotionally charged performance. However, the humour never diminishes the gravity of the subject matter. Instead, it deepens the complexity of the characters, making their struggle with love and loss all the more relatable.

As the play progresses, the audience is drawn into the uncomfortable realities of staying in a relationship long past its prime, when love becomes something sharp and painful, yet impossible to let go of. We only live once and at this point, it is too late to turn back time.

The set design complements the emotional tone, with minimalistic elements that place the focus squarely on the actors and their fraught interactions. Everything else you piece together in your mind, leaving much room for imagination, which is why this production is not for the faint-hearted.

With its raw portrayal of intimate partner violence and references to suicide, Dive comes with necessary content warnings. Wild Rice has thoughtfully provided care resources for the audience, reflecting the sensitivity required to handle such themes.

Overall, Dive is a poignant exploration of the fine line between love and hate. It depicts how a seemingly normal relationship can descend into turmoil over time, without both parties realising what they are doing to each other until it is all too late. Raw and minimalistic, it is thought-provoking and emotionally charged. We think it is worth a watch.

Ticketing and Availablity

Dive is now showing at Wild Rice theatre. Ticket prices start from S$40.

The Wild Rice theatre is conveniently located at Funan, 107 North Bridge Road, level 4. It is easily accessible via City Hall MRT, a short 5-minute walk from the station.

Secure your tickets soon, as the show runs only until 22 September​.