Venue: Belvoir St Theatre (Surry Hills NSW), Mar 12 – 31, 2024
Playwright: (after Aristophanes)
Director: Margaret Thanos
Cast: Matt Abotomey, Lib Campbell, Rachael Colquhoun-Fairweather, Clay Crighton, Richard Hilliar, Ava Madon, Emma O’Sullivan, Hannah Raven, Idam Sondhi
Images by Clare Hawley
Theatre review
Athena is in the heavens competing against Zeus to be President of the Olympus Council, and to make a long story short, woman farmer Prax ends up running for Prime Minister of Australia. Adapted from Aristophanes’ Assemblywomen, the devised work Now Now, Not Ever: A Parliament of Women tells a story of corruption in our politics, paying particular attention to the effects of sexism and misogyny, on our systems of government. It may not state its arguments especially powerfully, but the entertainment it engenders is an unequivocal joy.
Now Now, Not Ever is marvellously comical, with direction by Margaret Thanos facilitating and coordinating an extraordinary level of creativity and energy, from all its collaborative aspects. The wild exuberance of its comedy is quite exceptional, and although subversive and idiosyncratic, the show is likely to appeal to a wide range of audiences.
Set design by Jess Zlotnick embraces a distinct lo-fi rawness, one that perfectly represents an experimental spirit so clearly entrenched in all elements of the staging. Costumes by Aloma Barnes are delightfully imaginative, notable for taking inspiration from queer traditions, in a work that passionately interrogates the social meanings of gender and sexuality. Saint Clair’s lighting design is vivid and bold, to further encourage our jubilant laughter, which in turn inspires a greater investment in the production’s zany qualities. Also very whimsical is music by Angus (AJ) Evans, playful and dynamic all through the duration.
A splendid cast of nine gleeful performers takes us along on their hilarious trip. Every one of them endearing, funny and clever, completely free of ego in a presentation that really connects, as a result of their generosity and their soaring chemistry. The deeply amusing Emma O’Sullivan is flawless as Prax, completely persuasive in telling a story about the necessity and the futility of compromise, as witnessed in her character’s newfound public life. Her husband is played by Matt Abotomey, gloriously extravagant in what could be considered the most camp, in his depictions of ironically, the straightest personality on the stage. Lib Campbell is unforgettable in the role of Gora the libidinous goat, with incredible timing and acuity, demonstrating a degree of talent that is simply astounding.
When all else fails, we just have to laugh. From watching Now Now, Not Ever: A Parliament of Women one would struggle to deny the many failures of our social and political systems. Some of us might feel motivated to figure out new ways to address these problems, but more than likely, many can only chuckle from a place of incredulous resignation.
Suzy Goes See 