Venue: Old Fitzroy Theatre (Woolloomooloo NSW), Jul 5 – 27, 2024
Playwright: Chenturan Aran
Director: David Burrowes
Cast: Noel Hodda, Kelsey Jeanell, Susie Lindeman, Brendan Miles, Nikki Sekar, Ariyan Sharma
Images by Phil Erbacher

Theatre review
Jamie has started thinking a lot about his birth mother in Sri Lanka, which is proving to be a great annoyance for his white Australian adoptive parents. In the beautifully observed Cut Chilli by Chenturan Aran, transracial adoption is the main subject that spurs discussions about racial identity, and about the current state of Western discourse that pertains to our political lives. Conflicting values, represented by a generational divide and along racial lines, are examined with incisiveness and great humour by Aran, whose clever dialogue helps soften the blow of his many provocative but manifestly meaningful expressions.

Direction by David Burrowes brings an excellent vibrancy to the play’s politics, but its comedy is perhaps less finely honed. Chemistry between cast members is inconsistent, although markedly captivating in moments when the actors do find a sense of connectedness. Leading man Ariyan Sharma introduces an authenticity to the show that translates as complexity and credibility, allowing us to engage with its ideas in a sophisticated manner.

Set design by Soham Apte demonstrates considerable resourcefulness and creativity, with proficient demarcations of space that make good sense of the locations being depicted. Costumes by Rita Naidu enhance the realism of Cut Chilli, whilst maintaining visual balance and a quiet elegance. Lights by Isobel Morrissey and sounds by Sam Cheng are fairly minimal in approach, but appropriately so. Also noteworthy is the video content in the show’s prologue and epilogue, as gracefully captured by cinematographer Jamie Gray.

Within these scene of intimacy involving Jamie’s loving family, we cannot help but regard the behaviour of our political adversaries with a certain generosity. Contemporary “rules of engagement” have provided little room for tolerance, with good reason, but in Cut Chilli we are reminded that perhaps kindness does count for something, even if it is attached to ignorance. The road to hell may be paved with good intentions, but without any desire to do better, nothing worthwhile could ever be achieved.

www.oldfitztheatre.com.au | www.newghoststheatre.com

Venue: Old Fitzroy Theatre (Woolloomooloo NSW), Jun 7 – 29, 2024
Playwright: Rajiv Joseph
Director: Bali Padda
Cast: Aaron Glenane, Tinashe Mangwana
Images by Daniel Asher Smith

Theatre review
It was when the legendary LeBron James made his momentous NBA debut in 2003, that Matt and Shawn first connected. Over the course of 13 years, we see each of the pair’s lives go through ups and downs, as do their relationship, in Rajiv Joseph’s 2022 play King James. It is the simplest of two-handers, but irresistibly charming, with an intricately observed and authentically represented study of friendship, that communicates meaningfully and universally.

Direction by Bali Padda places appropriate emphasis on nuances between characters, always ensuring that the unspoken is conveyed with as much accuracy as the delivery of dialogue, in order that we may be entirely convinced of the depth and longevity, of the bond being portrayed. There are many moments that resonate with extraordinary intensity, as we are encouraged to reflect on our own experiences, and on the people who mean most.

Playing Matt is the captivating Aaron Glenane, who brings a wondrous creativity to his depictions of an ordinary person, as well as an effortless charisma that endears us to his dynamic storytelling. Also very engaging is Tinashe Mangwana as Shawn, persuasive whether delivering subdued or exuberant interpretations for his part, with a warmth that makes us feel a certain familiarity with the show’s situations and personalities. The duo’s admirable commitment to fostering a genuine chemistry, is central to our enjoyment of the piece.

Also noteworthy is set design by Ian Kanick, which surprises with its versatility. Rita Naidu’s costumes help to make the performances even more believable. Lights by Priyanka Martin provide the ideal amount of embellishment, just as Michael Toisuta’s music is able to introduce a greater sense of theatricality, at the right moments.

It can feel frustrating, that relationships with people and things that we care about, seem to ebb and flow, that they are rarely consistent in how they manifest. Matt and Shawn go through periods when loved ones become difficult, when their careers encounter challenges, and when their finances face pitfalls. Circumstances then turn around, and new phases of upswing inevitably take hold. This life is a rollercoaster ride, and much as we begrudge the hard parts, we also understand that if the journey never takes us to dark places, we will never see any light.

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