In a refreshingly authentic piece of theatre, real-life mother and daughter take to the stage in "In Small Doses," a dark comedy that hits surprisingly close to home. The premise is deceptively simple: a mother arrives to help her daughter recover from a leg injury, carrying a suspiciously large suitcase and no return ticket. Following the breakdown of her latest relationship, she's planning to stay indefinitely – much to her daughter's anguish.

What unfolds is a masterclass in familial tension, delivered with remarkable authenticity by this mother-daughter duo. Their genuine relationship translates beautifully to the stage, lending weight and credibility to every interaction. The chemistry between them is palpable, whether they're locked in arguments or sharing moments of connection.

The production is elevated by the inclusion of dance interludes that serve as physical metaphors for their relationship. These wordless movements sometimes mirror each other in harmony, sometimes clash in opposition, and occasionally break into solo expressions.

Funded through the Mental Health Commissioner of South Australia's 'Staging Change' grants, the show approaches its mental health themes with subtlety. While the mother's resistance to therapy and her frequent recourse to a hip flask hint at deeper issues, these elements remain largely unexplored. The daughter's advocacy for mental health support creates an interesting generational contrast, but the discussion never fully develops.However, what might be seen as a shortcoming in mental health advocacy becomes a strength in storytelling. The show excels in depicting how mental health issues often manifest in family dynamics – not through explicit discussions, but in patterns of behavior, dependency, and unresolved grief. The cultural dimension adds another layer of complexity, suggesting that even arguing can be its own form of love language.

"In Small Doses" may not deliver an overt mental health message it does succeed brilliantly as a nuanced portrayal of mother-daughter relationships. Through its combination of authentic performances, interpretative dance, and raw emotional honesty, it offers a compelling reminder that family relationships are often best managed, as the title suggests, in small doses.