“The universe is an optical illusion and we are lonelier than we thought.”

Don’t let the idea of a philosophical rant on the part of a talking moon put you off the latest work from the Motorcycle Diaries writer, Jose Rivera. References to Salvador Dali Make Me Hot is a funny, yet though provoking excursion through a dream where universal laws and human laws collide in the space of love and hate. It has the hallmarks of a contemporary Alice in Wonderland.

This play taps into notions of our own internal disconnection from the natural world and whether our battles with each other in romance are not merely a sombre reflection of our own disenchanted internal state.

This, at times, oblique work is deftly handled by Anthony Skuse, who has assembled a cast as ranging in backgrounds and skills as the story might suggest. Alongside Rita Carmody’s simple but affecting set design and Verity Hampson’s lighting, that provides a subtle but haunting atmosphere, is musical direction from Juan Carlos Rios.

The compelling and rich performance from this talented cast of players is well worth a night at the theatre. A beautiful theatrical harmony is sewn together with music that strikes at the heart of war. The story of lovers Gabriela (Olivia Stambouliah) and Benito (Stephen Multari) who have been separated by war; and Gabriela’s frustration at his absence is reflected in the existence of the Cat (Taryn Brine), the Coyote (iOTA) and the Moon (Lani John Tupu).

Their dreaming conversations give Rivera the space to open up conversations about human folly and its quest for self destruction, our relationship with the natural world, and declining fossil fuels, amongst others.

“War makes you comfortable” seems to suggest that we are so used to being in conflict with each other that we fail to see the conflict is really with ourselves. While Gabriela’s ambiguous romantic entanglement with a 14 year old (Arka Das) presents both a test of loyalty, but also a seemingly acceptable solution to her frustration.

But while this may pour cold water on an audience, and in less skilled hands, have come off bleakly, Anthony Skuse keeps the core of Rivera’s work rolling along; and the irony dripping as the text explodes comically throughout much of the first act.

In Act 2, the extent of the relationship between Gabriela and Benito expands and here the tempo begins to falter as we witness the dance of a co-dependent relationship. Despite the love, Benito describes them as being like “oil and water” and you feel the pain in both saying and hearing such a thing.

As the story of Gabriela and Benito recedes and we return to the animal reflections of their connection, the Cat asks the Coyote, “How long do we have before we test each other’s love?” One might ask that of any relationship. Even the one we have with ourselves.

References to Salvador Dali Make Me Hot is playing at the Stables Theatre until October 17.