Author Archives: Suzy Wrong

Review: Am I (Shaun Parker & Company)

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rsz_r1222886_16043263Venue: Sydney Opera House (Sydney NSW), Jan 9 – 12, 2014
Director & Choreographer: Shaun Parker
Music: Nick Wales
Dramaturge: Veronica Neave
Dancers: Josh Mu, Sophia Ndaba, Jessie Oshodi, Marnie Palomares, Melanie Palomares, Shantala Shivalingappa, Julian Wong

Theatre review
With Am I, Shaun Parker & Company continues to redefine Australian dance and identity. This work relies heavily on traditional Indian forms of performance and Chinese martial arts, to create a new contemporary dance that is not only about Australia but also an international landscape. As societies come to terms with technological advancements and multiplicity in their cultural compositions, art begins to conflate and we seem to be arriving at a time when a universality, in creativity and practice, usurps geographical differences. Shaun Parker’s work is international not only because of its high standards, but also because of its global language.

Shantala Shivalingappa brings an Indian influence that gives the production a sense of dreamlike storytelling. She is an omnipresent narrator, with a magnetism that can only be described as enigmatic. Slight in stature and mild in temperament, it is a wonder that the audience’s attention is completely lost in Shivalingappa’s minimal performance style whenever she takes centre stage. Julian Wong’s talents as a martial artist are utilised to perfection. The way his disciplines are reinterpreted to create a new art form, is probably the greatest achievement of this work. The opening up of something that is seemingly rigid and old fashioned, in order to create a brand new redefining vocabulary in movement is an incredible feat, which the company should be extremely proud of. A particularly memorable moment sees the combination of Wong performing a “qigong” style routine along with Josh Mu’s responses using “popping” from the breakdance lexicon. The meeting of the two is breathtaking, and clearly (as words will no doubt fail), has to be seen to be believed.

Music is performed entirely live with a band and singers that have achieved a magnificent level of symbiosis with the dancers. Lighting design is creative and ground-breaking, with a “wall of light” that provides illumination in all senses of the word. The level of sensitivity at which both these elements are designed and directed is masterful. They are not often in the foreground of proceedings, but are absolutely crucial to the success of the show.

Am I is Shaun Parker’s meditation on spirituality. It inspires ideas on God, creation, and inevitably, the meaning of life. It is Parker using the performance space to ask the biggest questions, and what results is something transcendental and divine. This is a company determined to communicate, and the show speaks to audiences of all kinds. Its concepts are grand but universal; its tone sophisticated but never hoity-toity. It speaks to all, but seeks to appeal to the most sacred that is in us all.

www.shaunparkercompany.com

5 Questions with Maryann Wright‏

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rsz_maryann_wright1What is your favourite swear word?
Fuck. It still delivers an acidic bite in some contexts and can be a satisfactory meaningless expression in others.

What are you wearing?
Honest answer – gym clothes. Just finished a pilates class and am too lazy to change. In my head I’m wearing something… at least mildly attractive and a little more breathable.

What is love?
Selflessness, Sacrifice, good Sex. Notice the trend of Ss? They’ve got something going for them.

What was the last show you saw, and how many stars do you give it?
Carrie the musical, 5. I hear the actress who played Frieda was fucking hilarious (see above – question 1).

Is your new show going to be any good?
It’s my first fully-fledged cabaret so you know what they say about first time experiences. But it’s called NUTS and I’m a little nuts, so there’s a start. Got the casting right.

Maryann Wright stars in NUTS in Week 1 of Short+Sweet Cabaret.
Show dates: 8 – 11 Jan, 2014
Show venue: New Theatre

Review: An Enemy Of The People (Nine Years Theatre)

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rsz_1522124_273651802782255_1915973110_nVenue: National Museum of Singapore (Singapore), Jan 8 – 11, 2014
Playwright: Henrik Ibsen (Mandarin translation by Nelson Chia)
Director: Nelson Chia
Actors: Rei Poh, Mia Chee, Hang Qian Chou, Neo Hai Bin, Jean Toh

Theatre review
This is a story about truth, greed, and democracy. Originally published in 1882, its central themes remain relevant and powerful. The play capitalises on our fundamental need to seek not only for truths, but also for personal materialistic gain, and of course the struggle between the two. Nelson Chia’s translation is faithful to the original, and his direction of the text is a straightforward one. There is an emphasis on giving Ibsen’s work and ideas absolute focus, with no obvious liberties taken for updates or reinterpretations. What results is a kind of language and “period” tonality that is fascinatingly quirky. It is simultaneously realistic yet unusual, which gives the production a sense of wonder and theatricality. Visual design elements should also be noted for their effectiveness and refinement.

Performances are committed and disciplined. A sense of polish and measuredness permeates the proceedings, and the precision at which the story is told gives the show not only an air of professionalism but also a rare beauty. Lead man Rei Poh steals the show with moments of flamboyance and pomposity. His portrayal of the hero invites doubt, and disallows convenient certainty, giving the play a complexity that necessitates thought and discussion. The cast of five is a young one, but there is no question that they take this work seriously. This however, comes at the cost of the depiction of sarcasm and delivery of humour, which are evident in Ibsen’s writing. The ensemble’s attention on plot and realism does make the story crystal clear, but some of the comedy seems to have been sacrificed in the process. Perhaps a slightly exaggerated sense of performance could be introduced, so that the play’s farcical nature can be elevated.

An Enemy Of The People is a political story, but the production does not use it to push forth with a simple reading of social mechanics. Indeed, it portrays politics and economies as being problematic by nature, and hence, ambiguities lay central to our existences. It is to the company’s credit that these complex ideas are presented with simplicity, succinctness and a lot of elegance.

www.nineyearstheatre.com

Review: Notre Dame De Paris (Base Entertainment)

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14247-140-7[1]Venue: Marina Bay Sands (Singapore), Dec 17, 2013 – Jan 11, 2014
Book: Victor Hugo
Music: Riccardo Cocciante
Lyrics: Luc Plamondom (English translation by Will Jennings)
Director: Giles Maheu
Actors: Alessandra Ferrari, Matt Laurent, Robert Marien, Richard Charest, Alberto Mangia Vinci, Ian Carlyle, Elicia MacKenzie

Theatre review
The story unfolds with a lack of clarity, and the English lyrics are less than elegant, but this “Musical Spectacular” features a cast of astounding talent (largely Canadian), and their work makes for an evening of inspiration and fantastic entertainment.

Robert Marien is outstanding as Frollo, with a magnificent voice that is world class. The songs he performs showcase his talents well, and allow for the performer to steal the show effortlessly. Alessandra Ferrari plays Esmeralda, impressing her audience with a vocal range that will remain unforgettable. Even though her role is spectacularly anti-feminist, Ferrari is able to charm her way and make her audience fall into endearment.

Choreography is relatively conventional, but the team of dancers and acrobats perform at a level that can only be described as stellar. We are treated to an incredibly high energy and accomplished presentation, with influences from jazz, modern and break dance, along with shades of Cirque du Soleil and the Eurovision Song Contest. Yes, things do get kitschy, but they are irresistibly so.

The theatre seats 2,155 but today’s session probably was less than a quarter filled. The performers were entirely unperturbed and gave their all, and the audience was obviously swept away. The standing ovation at the end of the evening was genuine, and well deserved.

www.baseentertainmentasia.com

Neighbourhood Watch (Ensemble Theatre)

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rsz_watchoneVenue: Ensemble Theatre (Kirribilli NSW), Dec 12, 2013 – Jan 25, 2014
Playwright: Alan Ayckbourn
Director: Anna Crawford
Actors: Brian Meegan, Fiona Press, Gillian Axtell, Douglas Hansell, Lizzie Mitchell, Jamie Oxenbould, Olivia Pigeot, Bill Young

Theatre review
Alan Ayckbourn’s brilliant script is a work about the anxieties of middle classes in English suburbia. Its comedy is flamboyantly unhinged, and bears the strong flavour of absurdist British humour that is loved on stages and television the world over. His characters are quirky and colourful, yet complex enough to prevent them from becoming mere caricatures. Ayckbourn’s construction of “the frightening other” is masterful. We watch the onstage characters imagine a threat without actually seeing any substantiation for their terror. Audiences are implicated into the farce being performed, because we share in the imagery of the imagined enemy, but the play constantly reminds us of the stupidity in the scenarios being presented and indeed, the irrationality of those fears.

Brian Meegan is an effective leading man, playing the neighbourhood watch group leader Martin Massie with charm and energetic ardor. All the action is structured around him, and he displays great commitment and gravitas that holds the plot together. Jamie Oxenbould plays the cuckolded Gareth. His characterisation is idiosyncratic and subtle, turning a smaller part into a memorable, and very odd, stand out role.

Direction of the play focuses on plot trajectories, resulting in very clear storytelling, and amusing discourse on themes and concepts. However, interpretation of the play’s comedy elements falls short. There is an emphasis on realism in performances while the text seems to require a much broader comic style. Potential for laughter resides in virtually every line of Ayckbourn’s sharp writing, but his wit is not always strongly delivered.

Neighbourhood Watch deals with issues of class and hypocrisy in our societies. It exposes what we all know to be true, but in a way that surprises and fascinates. Its characters are simultaneously familiar and unpredictable, and they present a story that we can all relate to, regardless of which side of the fence we imagine ourselves to be situated.

www.ensemble.com.au

5 Questions with Darren Mapes

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darrennmapesWhat is your favourite swear word?
The “C” word. Anyone who is offended needs to play the c*nt game. I’ll teach you how to play over a couple of drinks 🙂

What are you wearing?
Bonds. I’m a simple guy.

What is love?
Sister Mary Bruno told me “God is Love” as she beat me with a ruler.

What was the last show you saw, and how many stars do you give it?
Carrie the musical, 4. I’ve always wanted to have Kathy Bates over for dinner, but now I’ll just ask Margi de Ferranti instead, her performance was incredible.

Is your new show going to be any good?
It’s gonna be hilarious. The Golden Girls and puppets? How can you go wrong? 🙂

Darren Mapes is performing in Thank You For Being A Friend, part of the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras 2014 festival.
Show dates: 14 – 28 Feb, 2014
Show venue: Seymour Centre

5 Questions with Ashley Bell

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ashleybellWhat is your favourite swear word?
‘Fuck’ has a multitude of uses, and I’m a big fan of versatility.

What are you wearing?
A knitted green and gold Gorman dress. So blatantly Australiana! However I feel wool was a bad choice on such a muggy Sydney day. Sweat’s sexy, right?!

What is love?
“…Baby don’t hurt me.”

What was the last show you saw, and how many stars do you give it?
The last show I was meant to see was Summertime In The Garden Of Eden last week by Sisters Grimm/Griffin Theatre, but something came up and I didn’t get to go which was such a shame because I heard it was amazing! Lots of glitzy drag, exotica and American deep south references, with lots of cultural and gender reversals. It sounds like something I’d be right into, design-wise, so I’m thinking of re-booking so I don’t miss out!

Is your new show going to be any good?
Of course! The cast and crew are enthusiastic and passionate, and we’ve got a great script and great talent ready to show Sydney what they’ve got.

Ashley Bell is Costume Designer for Wittenberg.
Show dates: 7 – 25 Jan, 2014
Show venue: Old Fitzroy Theatre

5 Questions with David McLean

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rsz_david_mclean_-_main_-_1_-_2013What is your favourite swear word?
Bawbag. It’s a derogatory Scottish slang term – translated into sophisticated English as the male scrotum (a bag for your balls…get it? Sorry!) – but is commonly used as a casual insult against people who are annoying, e.g. “Did you see the state the boss got in when I rocked up 2 minutes late for that meeting? What a total bawbag!”

What are you wearing?
Well, as a newbie to the world of acting, I can’t give up my day job just yet (…!), so when I’m not busy engineering an accelerated route to Hollywood, you can find me working as a Business Analyst at ABC. Today’s dress code is a pair of chinos, brown shoes and an open collared pink shirt. When I worked in London, a few of the lads in the office and I started up Pink Shirt Thursdays, which has now become somewhat of a global phenomenon. There’s a Facebook group, so get involved!

What is love?
I’m not entirely sure what love is yet, but as a wee message for the girls out there who don’t believe in it and think us guys are only after one thing (sex)… well, you’re so wrong!!! We also want food.

What was the last show you saw, and how many stars do you give it?
Sucking Dublin, a NIDA graduate showcase at The Parade Theatres in Kensington. Set in Dublin in the late ’90s, it centres on the tragic lives of 5 young Irish people tormented by rape, drugs and violence. My dialect coach was working with the students on their Irish accents for the show, and as I was graduating from Screenwise around the same time, I thought it’d be a good opportunity to check out what I’d be up against in the industry 😉 All in all, it was a great evening; the performances from each of the five actors were authentic and truly engaging, and I’m sure all of them will go on to be very successful. I’d give it a solid 4/5 stars.

Is your new show going to be any good?
And What A Damn Fine Morning It Is! the show places me up against my next door neighbour, and lifetime rival, Ted (played by Sam Dugmore, an awesome talent), in an hilariously witty, egotistic battle. This will be the first ever time I’ve performed on stage, so I’m looking forward to rising to the challenge and hopefully putting on a great show for all of you. Stephanie Merriman is directing and has been a joy to work with in rehearsals. Some of the improv exercises we’ve been doing have reduced me to tears of laughter! She has a great way of getting the best out of her actors, so here’s hoping Sam and I can make her proud when it comes to show time.

David McLean @mcleandave makes his Australian debut in And What A Damn Fine Morning It Is!, part of Short+Sweet Theatre (Week 2).
Show dates: 15 – 19 Jan, 2014
Show venue: King St Theatre

5 Questions with Jeffery Self

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jefferyselfWhat is your favourite swear word?
Mother fucker. Even though I’ve never actually fucked my mother and I have no interest in doing so.

What are you wearing?
It would only depress you to hear.

What is love?
Diane Keaton.

What was the last show you saw, and how many stars do you give it?
I saw Beyonce in concert last night and it literally FORCED ME to want to have reckless gay sex.

Is your new show going to be any good?
It won’t be as good as Beyonce but it’ll be better than reckless gay sex.

 

 

Jeffery Self is performing in Desperate Houseboys, part of the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras 2014 festival.
Show dates: 18 – 28 Feb, 2014
Show venue: Seymour Centre

5 Questions with Lizzie Mitchell

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lizziemitchellWhat is your favourite swear word?
Can’t go past “fuck”, although I try to keep swearing to a minimum in front of my toddler!

What are you wearing?
Vintage sundress, great in the heat!

What is love?
Happiness and pain and everything in between.

What was the last show you saw, and how many stars do you give it?
Rapture, Blister, Burn at Ensemble. I’d give it 5 stars! The performances and the direction were exquisite!

Is your new show going to be any good?
Alan Ayckbourn’s Neighbourhood Watch is a terrific play and our production absolutely does it justice! Anna Crawford’s expert direction has shaped the performances to perfectly blur the line between comedy and drama and keep the audience in fits of laughter and tears till the very end. It’s a play that will catch you off guard and render you changed at the very end, who doesn’t love that! It’s a pleasure to be a part of it!

Lizzie Mitchell is starring in Neighbourhood Watch.
Show dates: 12 Dec, 2013 – 25 Jan, 2014
Show venue: Ensemble Theatre