Tag Archives: drama

Penelope (Siren Theatre Co)

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penelope1Venue: TAP Gallery (Darlinghurst NSW), Sep 12 – Oct 6, 2013
Playwright: Enda Walsh
Director: Kate Gaul
Actors: Nicholas Hope, Thomas Campbell, Arky Michael, Philip Dodd, Branden Christine

Theatre review
Attending a work by independent theatre companies in Australia is unpredictable. We hope for the best, and expect the worst. Resources are limited, and it is a challenge for semi-professional groups catering to audiences who are accustom to productions by dominant, well-funded companies. Siren Theatre Co rises to that challenge with a formidable cast and crew that have come together successfully and exceed expectations. Penelope showcases excellent work by all its actors, designers and technicians, with Kate Gaul at the helm, directing, producing, and proving herself to be a woman of exceptional ability and a brilliant visionary.

The show is at once intelligent, funny, emotional, audacious and confounding. Artistic licences are de rigueur, and no moment is spared of theatricality. The actors, all equally impressive, constantly negotiate the spaces between narrative and extravagance in their performances. There is a strong element of vaudeville in their work, and it is their commitment to the creation of a distinct style that gives the production a specific and memorable voice. Nicholas Hope shows himself to be quite the force of nature, playing the role of Quinn with extraordinary focus and strength. His no-holds-barred mode of performance is disarming and wonderfully mesmerising. Arky Michael’s Dunne is an amalgamation of rock star and Norma Desmond, an outlandish and madcap portrayal that is absolutely joyful.

Production design features prominently. It services the plot perfectly, transforming the relatively small space into one that is full of possibilities for the actors, while carving out an aesthetic for the production that is vibrant and innovative. Indeed, this is a show characterised by its vibrancy and innovation. This company has created something that overflows with ideas and enthralment, and because Enda Walsh’s script is not a simple one, one is compelled to revisit Penelope to experience her more deeply. The femme fatale beckons.

www.sirentheatreco.com

Small And Tired (Belvoir St Theatre)

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lat30-20small-20m-20130930132111302264-620x349[1]Venue: Belvoir St Theatre (Surry Hills NSW), Sep 26 – Oct 27, 2013
Playwright: Kit Brookman
Director: Kit Brookman
Actors: Luke Mullins, Susan Prior, Tom Conroy, Paul Gleeson, Sandy Gore

Theatre review
Every family has a skeleton in the closet, and in Orestes’ case, the troubles that plague his family are all-consuming, but also mysterious. Kit Brookman’s script is sensitive and perceptive, with a depiction of emotional torment that cuts to the bone. The strongest element to his storytelling is the way his characters are seen to suffer from psychological afflictions, which none of them are able to articulate or to truly understand. There are misunderstandings and miscommunication, along with blurred and contradictory recollections of shared histories.

Orestes is played by Luke Mullins, who impresses with the portrayal of a damaged man without performing a lot of emotional upheaval. This is a confused man who escapes life at every turn, and while he tries to get on with things, it is evident to us that his inner demons are alive and festering. Mullins’ truthful approach is realistic and relatable. His character works hard to maintain a calm exterior but the actor keeps us engaged with a highly nuanced and thoroughly studied performance. Other players shine with different strengths, including Susan Prior giving the family a dimension of emotional volatility, and Sandy Gore’s sense of austere resolve brings a beautiful gravitas to the play.

Mel Page’s set design is simple but perfectly executed. Turning the small stage into a living garden situates the story in a place of familiarity and intimacy, making Small And Tired an everyday Australian tale. Brookman’s direction consciously adds small details to always bring the action back to mundane life, preventing his ideas from turning into abstract concepts. The play has a message, but it is conveyed tenderly, and it is that message that transforms an entertaining night at the theatre into an experience of enlightenment and catharsis.

www.belvoir.com.au

The Hardest Part Of Love (New Theatre)

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thehardestpartofloveVenue: New Theatre (Newtown NSW), Sep 24 – 28, 2013
Director: Aaron Robuck
Choreographer: Aaron Robuck
Writer: Aaron Robuck
Musical Director: Gavin Lockley
Performers: Aaron Robuck, Leah Simmons, Gary Robuck

Theatre review
Aaron Robuck is an extraordinarily talented young man with big ambitions. The Hardest Part Of Love sees him stretch his abilities to the limit, working as producer, writer, director and choreographer, in addition to being the only lead performer in his show. Robuck has good charisma and timing, and has no problems connecting with his audience. His impressively powerful singing voice comes across as his strongest asset, but it eclipses the other elements in the show that can appear pale by comparison.

The ensemble of back up dancers and singers are accomplished, but they are not always incorporated well. They are effective in the comedy sections, but at other points, their presence is not always necessary and can expose the weakness in Robuck’s choreography. The story is a very personal one, and Robuck’s performance abilities are more than enough for him to put up a great show without too much razzle dazzle. It would be interesting also, if a director was appointed to lend some objectivity and to focus Robuck’s talents to greater effect.

Religion plays a big part of Robuck’s story and it is responsible for a lot of the show’s success. It adds colour and idiosyncrasy, providing unusual insight and gives an interesting voice to an otherwise conventional coming-of-age story. Ultimately, the fundamental joy in this production is Aaron Robuck’s singing, and some editing to the staging would have elevated it to something even more spectacular.

www.facebook.com/TheHardestPartOfLove

Inspiration Porn (New Theatre)

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rsz_24_inspiration_pornVenue: New Theatre (Newtown NSW), Sep 26 – 28, 2013
Performers: Hayley Flowers, Kiruna Stamell, Damien Noyce, James Cunningham, Josphine Lancuba, Asphyxia
Image by Jeff Tan

Theatre review
Inspiration Porn features six different acts presenting their individual works. Their common thread is the idea of inspiration, and what results is a moving night at the theatre.

Kiruna Stamell’s Coffee & Sheep is mainly physical theatre, although there are monologual elements. She also uses burlesque in her act, as well as a good dose of absurdity, which all adds up to a form of performance that resists categorisation. Stamell is simultaneously funny and serious, and the audience is never too sure whether a message exists in her work. What is certain though, is the irresistible magnetism of this performer, and the effectiveness of her work. She keeps you enthralled, bewildered, and wanting more. Stamell is the kind of artist that cultivates a loyal following, a natural star.

James Cunningham presents a highly unusual dance routine based around the loss of the use of his left arm. He also demonstrates an exercise involving a mirror that helps him negotiate his new physicality. Almost creating an illusion of symmetry using his functioning arm, Cunningham talks us through the process and we are thoroughly transfixed. In his presentation, we witness the strength of spirit that has been awoken by his unfortunate accident.

Finally, we are served an extract from The Grimstones, a gothic marionette performance that is truly sublime. These wooden characters by artist Asphyxia, possess a kind of hyper-reality and they convey emotions that no real actor can. Their story is simple but due to the way their world has been constructed and presented, every gesture they make becomes deeply touching. Even though their world is far removed from our daily lives, there is a sense of authenticity that connects with us, and we feel the puppet masters earnestly tugging at our heartstrings.

http://2013.sydneyfringe.com/…

Colony (TAP Gallery)

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colony1Venue: TAP Gallery (Darlinghurst NSW), Sep 24 – 29, 2013
Playwrights: Kate Dunn, Oliver Featherston
Director: Lucinda Vitek
Actors: Linda Ngo, Davey Friedman, Ian Ferrington

Theatre review
Three people take a voluntary one-way journey from Earth to Mars. This simple premise opens up countless questions, themes, ideas, and scenarios, and Colony does well in exploring a wide range of these concepts. It is a script that does not shy away from complexities, but also prevents itself from over-thinking and becoming too abstract. It is a strong script with interesting characters that consistently fascinate, and succeeds in bringing the science fiction genre to a minimal stage.

This is a production that relies heavily on its actors. Atmospherics are crucial in this genre piece, and in the absence of more substantial sound design, the players are required to create a sense of mystery, foreboding and tension but they only succeed occasionally. Linda Ngo is slight in stature but her presence is strongest in the cast. There is an element of daring to her performance that is alluring, and she provides a necessary dimension of levity to the earlier scenes. Davey Friedman brings the drama, and gives the most polished performance to the play. His character development is distinct and we are captivated by the way his role transforms through the course of the show.

The production begins well, and ends impressively. Director Lucinda Vitek does a wonderful job in handling the surreal turn later in the story, and all the explosive action as the end approaches. It is unfortunate that the tightness and urgency does not appear earlier. There are scenes in the middle that could benefit from being more lively; perhaps some editing would help in achieving greater tension. Nevertheless, this is an interesting work with intriguing concepts and an entertaining story that would appeal to theatre-goers everywhere.

www.colonysydneyfringe.com

Narrow As The Line (King Street Theatre)

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narrowastheline1Venue: King Street Theatre (Newtown NSW), Sep 24 – 29, 2013
Playwright: N. Gregory Finger
Director: N. Gregory Finger
Actors: Nicholas Richard, Sydney Abba, Logan McArthur, Ryan Knight, Daniel Hunter, Brendan Paul

Theatre review
Narrow As The Line is a clever and entertaining work set against the backdrop of war and destruction. N. Gregory Finger’s script is witty, thoughtful and intelligent. Its structure is simple and efficient, which allows for creative space on stage. Characters are interesting, although speech patterns could have been written more differentiated for greater distinction between personality types.

The actors are youthful and committed, with some displaying good skill and potential. Nicholas Richard shines in the role of Lieutenant Parsons, delivering a strong performance that anchors the production, giving it a sense of sure-footed solidness. Sydney Abba takes on the comic role of Colonel McGrath, delighting at every entrance. She connects well with the audience, and creates the most memorable character in the play. In general however, the cast plays the show too naturalistic. There is a good dose of absurdity in the script but the actors tend to underplay their scenes, attempting instead for believability and misses an opportunity for more heightened satire.

This is an impressive production that showcases young talent and a very smart script. The prominence of the writing does however, encourage the desire for a team of more experienced actors, and more adventurous direction. It is evident that a more dynamic show can be created from Finger’s words but as far as baby steps go, this is a monumental one.

www.narrowastheline.com

In Between Days (King Street Theatre)

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inbetweendays1Venue: King Street Theatre (Newtown NSW), Sep 21 & 28, 2013
Playwright: Leanne Mangan
Musical Director: Cassady Maddox
Actors: Leanne Mangan, Cassady Maddox, Josh Shipton

Theatre review
In Between Days is an example of the kinds of alternative voices that can appear in the Sydney Fringe Festival. The stage opens with a poster of The Cure’s Robert Smith dominating its backdrop, and he stays in position overlooking proceedings in this musical. 2 women share a home and a penchant for the goth aesthetic. They do not explicitly discuss the nature of the subculture of which they belong, but it is inscribed upon their being, and also in the music selection of this production.

The women’s singing are the absolute highlight of the show. Their voices are pleasant and occasional harmonies are always tight and beautiful. Accompaniment is simple, usually only with an acoustic guitar, but the arrangements are perfect for the small venue. Song choices are appropriate for the story, and all tend to be very melodic, which ensures immediate appeal.

Stand-out performance of the production belongs to Josh Shipton, who displays more experience than the other players. His character Johnno delivers the laughs, and endears himself quickly to the audience. The writing does not give any of the actors much to work with, but Shipton is able to turn his moments into brief instances of magic.

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Skazka: Told By Night (Scarecrow Theatre)

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skazka1Venue: New Theatre (Newtown NSW), Sep 18 – 28, 2013
Dramaturg: Finn Davis
Director: Jonathan Dunk
Actors: Zerrin Craig-Adams, Finn Davis, Jonathan Dunk, Lucinda Howes, Caitlin West, Jem Rowe

Theatre review
Sometimes a quiet revolution takes place, and it creeps up on you in the darkness of the theatre and taps you on your shoulder. Scarecrow Theatre’s show in this year’s Sydney Fringe is so utterly original that it makes you feels like you had been hiding under a rock, while a group of youngsters were out creating something so beyond expectation and convention, that when you encounter it for the first time, you get the sense that the times, well, they are a-changin’.

Skazka: Told By Night is a work that springboards from real and imagined folk tales, and uses them to explore the space between form and content in the theatre. These six performers have created a visual piece with an emphasis on physicality and movement rather than dance. Also important are the sounds they create with speech and song, but the relationship between what we see and what we hear is not always of a logical coherence. There is however, a powerful consistency in a certain melancholy and beauty, which the six actors achieve with an amazing uniformity in their style of performance. This group demonstrates a chemistry so intense and deep, that they feel almost like a singular idiosyncratic organism, all pulsating with a common heartbeat. It is an unusual language they share, and we read them with fascination and awe.

Sets, props, and lighting are used minimally, and the only sounds we hear are from the actors. Yet, the show is mesmerising. It puts you in a strange state of trance, where you are absorbed into the activity on stage, and stop thinking. It is a kind of meditation that takes place, and a stillness that is experienced, even while fighting, tears and death are on show. It also bolsters your imagination. We effortlessly create in our minds, menacing forests and bitterly cold lakes around the actors. All dark, and all beautiful.

Art rewards those who choose to travel the road not taken. We live in an age of post-modern fatigue that no longer believes in originality, but in Skazka, something fresh and radical is created, and we fall into its spell of dreamy night stories.

www.sydneyfringe.com/…

Slutterati (New Theatre)

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slutterati1Venue: New Theatre (Newtown NSW), Sep 19 – 23, 2013
Writer: Michael Gottsche
Director: Louise Fischer
Actors: Matt Charleston, Rebecca Clay, Amy Fisher, Jorjia Gillis, Kate Skinner, Stephen Wilkinson

Theatre review
The title of the piece evokes the modern phenomenon of celebrity and glitterati that is less about a glamorous “smart set”, and more about the sleazy, cheap, and vacuous “content generators” of news and media. It is also about the rise and rise of gossip in the media landscape, and its perverse pervasiveness in our daily lives.

Michael Gottsche’s script begins with the familiar story of a sporting celebrity in the limelight for less than dignified reasons. We are introduced to the stereotypes: an ex-Olympian, an aspiring d-list actor, 2 media spin doctors,  a tabloid journalist; and the story unfolds like an amalgamation of the many scandals that have surfaced in recent times, of which none were of great consequence to the public. Slutterati discusses how “news” is created, that it is generated by commercial interest rather than a straightforward reporting of important events.

Rebecca Clay plays Talia-Jayne, the commercial television personality who presents herself as a journalist. Clay successfully portrays the dichotomy of misplaced self-importance with a good dose of low-life wretchedness. It is a thoroughly enjoyable performance that is convincing, but also knowingly tinged with camp commentary. She looks every bit the part, but we revel in the actor’s awareness of her character’s absurdity.

Stephen Wilkinson as Clark, the shady talent manager, provides the play’s most dramatic moments. His vigour creates a tautness to the drama, and scenes without his energetic presence tend to come across less focused. Wilkinson has a knack for introducing urgency to the plot, as well as the crucial sense that the stakes are high, so that the audience’s attention is tightly gripped.

The play comprises many quick scenes, and this is problematic for the live stage. Time and space change often and these sometimes occur inelegantly. However, the story is told with clarity and the plot structure is strong. Our interest in the characters grow, and we invest emotionally in their experiences. This is a critique of Australian media, and although it does not propose alternative strategies, the statement it makes is valid and timely.

www.facebook.com/slutterati

Equus (Nomadic Artists)

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equus1Venue: The Italian Forum Cultural Centre (Leichhardt NSW), Sep 11 – 28, 2013
Playwright: Peter Shaffer
Director: Michael Campbell
Actors: Martin Portus, Michael Brindley, Lyn Lee, Brinley Meyer, Lucas Glover

Theatre review
It is the reality of theatre in Australia that few companies are able to pull together enough resources to engage crew and cast from “the best in the business”. It is therefore always admirable when theatre groups are formed under less than ideal financial circumstances, to dream up and create a grand work of art. This production of Equus is bold in its vision, and for all its young participants (especially producer Elliot Marsh), a courageous and ambitious early step in their careers.

Michael Brindley plays Alan Strang with conviction and focus. His performance is an energetic and fearless one, but the young actor does come across miscast in the role. Brinley Meyer is strongest in the cast as Jill Mason. She brings a polish and confidence to the production, and elevates a relatively small role into a memorable one. Meyer’s portrayal introduces strong sexuality while maintaining a sense of authenticity to her characterisation.

All elements in this production are well-intended and dignified in their approach, but the lack of experience does unfortunately come into view. The story and themes do not communicate distinctly as a result, but the show’s concepts in its staging are strong. From the adventurous use of space and levels, to the creative choreographic elements in the representation of horses, good talent is displayed. This is very early days yet for Nomadic Artists, and Equus marks an auspicious start for greater things to come.

www.equusonstage.com.au