UNSENT, performed at Brown’s Mart Theatre as part of the opening weekend of Darwin Fringe Festival, is a heartfelt exploration of the digital lives of young people.

Told through a mix of theatre performance, music, and multimedia, the show captures the world of internet friends, and the vulnerable silences of teenagers who are stuck in between the internet and the real world.

A very welcome surprise was the musical talent on show by two of the main characters – the final song by Airyn was incredibly raw and powerful, and Maxine’s song “Coming Up Empty” was good enough to make me think: I’d stream this on Spotify.

The set was minimal and clever, and the ad-hoc use of videos and social media imagery added an extra layer to the storytelling – feeling fresh, not forced.

Every cast member played their part, and honestly, Darwin is in for a real treat as these multi-talented young actors and performers develop their craft.

We saw a particularly standout performance from Lydia Blomfield as Rio, who instantly connected with the crowd, and provided humour exactly when it was needed.

UNSENT is a smart, heartfelt reminder that the things we don’t say still shape us — sometimes more than the things we do.

Though slightly outside the demographic, I felt that UNSENT spoke both to – and for – a generation that have found themselves as the unofficial professionals of digital expression, but are still searching for real connection.

BY KATE DINNING