SeaChange
This is a full episode of Manna From Heaven, and this has been placed on the website for your convenience.
SeaChange, Episode 21 "Manna from Heaven" - Plot Synopsis
I am on the path to truth, perhaps I might see you there - Tenzin Jetsunma
This part of the episode is fundamental in understanding what sort of themes, literary and visual techniques SeaChange employs.
SeaChange is an iconic Australian television series that was created by Deborah Cox and Andrew Knight, which ran from 1998 to 2000 on the ABC. The title ‘sea-change’ has been adapted from Shakespeare’s The Tempest, which in this circumstance portrays an abandoning of metropolitan living opting for a simpler life in a rural coastal community, known as ‘Pearl Bay.’
Manna From Heaven is distinctively visual in telling the story of Pearl Bay’s community. The title of the episode is likened to the bible story of Exodus, where bread fell from the sky to feed the starving Israelites. Equally, the divine title is seemingly evocative of a welcome surprise, or a sudden happening that brings good fortune. The town is riddled with stories, and hidden truths, thus the fantastical element of Tenzin Jetsunma arriving into town allows for the audience to explore differing themes such as sea-change, isolation, surrealism and truth.
Kevin’s recurring nightmare of Tenzin Jetsunma is outwardly a premonition to the untruths that will be revealed throughout the episode. Pearl Bay is perceived as being a sheltered coastal town, and so the return of an old neighbour fractures the surrealistic state allowing for the director to bridge the gap between a dreamlike state and reality.
Manna From Heaven is distinctively visual in telling the story of Pearl Bay’s community. The title of the episode is likened to the bible story of Exodus, where bread fell from the sky to feed the starving Israelites. Equally, the divine title is seemingly evocative of a welcome surprise, or a sudden happening that brings good fortune. The town is riddled with stories, and hidden truths, thus the fantastical element of Tenzin Jetsunma arriving into town allows for the audience to explore differing themes such as sea-change, isolation, surrealism and truth.
Kevin’s recurring nightmare of Tenzin Jetsunma is outwardly a premonition to the untruths that will be revealed throughout the episode. Pearl Bay is perceived as being a sheltered coastal town, and so the return of an old neighbour fractures the surrealistic state allowing for the director to bridge the gap between a dreamlike state and reality.