The set is bare but for a monolithic rock standing upstage. Above it is a suspended paper lantern. On the forestage, the ground is painted with a symbol—a hot desert sun. Music conjures images of heat haze and desolation—I’m starting to sweat.

Sweat is the second instalment in the Blood, Sweat and Tears trilogy of original, stand-alone work created by the members of the Western Australian Youth Theatre Company. The titles are springboards to let imagination run wild and I was interested to see what sort of play the word ‘sweat’ inspired. I caught the production on preview night—I think preview often offers a more energised show than opening night as the cast is keyed up for their first audience. From experience, opening night often feels flat even though it may be a technically good performance. However, there is always the risk of something going wrong—this time it was the air conditioning! What better way to get in the mood for a show called Sweat?

Sweat is t…