Tag Archives: sydney fringe 2013

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

5 Questions with Alexander Butt

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alexbuttWhat is your favourite swear word?
Shit.

What are you wearing?
Boxer shorts and a doona. Obviously I’m sitting in a cafe doing some work.

What is love?
Love is unconditional. Until you come home early from work one day…

What was the last show you saw, and how many stars do you give it?
Beached at The Griffin. 3 stars. I thought it really sucked you in and packed a punch, Kate Mulvany was terrific and really showcased her versatility. For some reason every show I see with live feed has technical issues when I see it (Measure For Measure, The Hoax) and Beached was no exception.

Is your new show going to be any good?
The script is fantastic and it is a role Nick was born to play. I don’t think there are many actors in Australia that could pull this show off. I am blown away in the rehearsal room as I meet the characters he is bringing to life, it will be a terrific showcase of his skills and a fun night out.

Alexander Butt is directing Fully Committed, part of Sydney Fringe 2013.
Show dates: 26 – 28 Sep, 2013
Show venue: New Theatre

Update: The show is revived at The Old Fitzroy, 24 Feb – 1 Mar, 2014.

5 Questions with Kiruna Stamell

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kirunastamellWhat is your favourite swear word?
Oh, there are sooooo many. I like the big ‘C’ word but used very sparingly and not as a swear word. I have a joke I do in my stand up about my first ever gynaecological appointment and it works on so many levels in the punchline. Unfortunately, it doesn’t make an appearance in Coffee & Sheep.

What are you wearing?
A summer dress with cross straps across the back and smocked across the bust and back.

What is love?
A much quieter and stable thing than people often assume. I used to think it was passion and drama. True love is more like cuddles, hugs, kisses and great communication and trust.

What was the last show you saw, and how many stars do you give it?
A street performance of The Iron Man with a giant Iron Man puppet by Graeae Theatre Company. 4 out of 5 stars. I love it and thought it was visually stunning and very entertaining.

Is your new show going to be any good?
Pffft, what a question. It’s a surreal romp and a giggle. Yeah, people will enjoy it, in the very least they won’t be bored. I play a sheep… sheep are cool!

Kiruna Stamell stars in Coffee & Sheep, one of the pieces in Inspiration Porn, part of Sydney Fringe 2013.
Show dates: 26 – 28 Sep, 2013
Show venue: New Theatre

Any Womb Will Do (King Street Theatre)

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anywombwilldo1Venue: King Street Theatre (Newtown NSW), Sep 8 – 23, 2013
Playwright: Gavin Roach
Director: Gavin Roach
Actor: Gavin Roach

Theatre review
Gavin Roach is an important voice in Australian theatre. He writes from the perspective of a gay man from Generation Y, and frequently appears on stage as a representation of young men of his community. Even though politics does not seem to feature as an obvious theme in his plays, Roach is a crucial presence in our theatrical landscape in terms of the way his work resonates for sexual minorities, which in itself is political action.

In Any Womb Will Do, the premise of child-bearing for a single gay man is explored. The show is presented in the most simple fashion, a one act monologue with no scene changes, and without lighting and sound effects. Roach is seen simply to be in his lounge room, talking to us about the issues he faces in trying to become a father. His performance begins with a campy and humorous tone, which the audience enjoys and reacts favourably almost like at a stand up show. Roach’s confidence and charm allows him to win the crowd over instantaneously, creating an air of ease and comfort in the theatre. As the play progresses, he switches gear to a more melancholic mode, where unfortunately his command of the space slowly fades. The characterisation becomes less believable and the story’s pathos fails to connect.

Nevertheless, this is an interesting work that addresses real concerns of queer communities as societies the world over progress and become more inclusive. As same-sex marriage becomes de rigueur in many countries, it only follows that family structures are re-examined, and with every other progressive idea, the theatre is where the process begins.

www.facebook.com/gavindanielroach
http://2013.sydneyfringe.com/…

Who Do You See? (Duck Duck Goose Theatre Company)

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whodoyousee1Venue: King Street Theatre (Newtown NSW), Sep 8 – 23, 2013
Playwright: Gavin Roach
Director: Sarah Vickery
Actors: David Griffiths, Emma Jones, Suz Mawer, Jack Michel, Christian O’Connor

Theatre review
It is a brave decision to stage a play entirely in the dark, for what is a play without its visual aspect? Who Do You See? engages only your aural senses, which is an undoubtedly unusual exercise, but it also proves to be a challenging one. Five actors recite sections of the play pertaining to their individual characters, but these are not first-person narratives. They refer to their characters by name, rather than “I”. As a result, the experience is similar to that of listening to an audio book with narration by different voices, and quite extensive but subtle sound effects. One therefore wonders if this production would have worked equally well as an audio recording, and whether having the audience physically present at the venue is necessary.

Similar to the experience of reading, this production engages the imagination much more than a conventional staging would. The evocative title demands that the audience questions the assumptions they make in their own visualisations. We play with identity markers like ethnicity, height, weight, age, and clothing, trying to decide which versions of our imagined characters are accurate or appropriate. At the end of the show, lights are finally turned up and we get to see the actors. If the actors are different from what you had imagined them to look like, what does that say about your beliefs and prejudices?

www.facebook.com/ddgtheatre
http://2013.sydneyfringe.com/…

5 Questions with Mel Dodge

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meldodgeWhat is your favourite swear word?
I like to let out the c-bomb. Followed by a ‘sorry for the c-bomb’ statement.

What are you wearing?
It’s Saturday morning so I’m having a lazy morning in my pyjamas, drinking a good strong coffee.

What is love?
Love comes by surprise. It creeps up on all the Jane Austen characters and I think that’s true in the real world too. It is playful, passionate, loyal and we can’t control the package it arrives in.

What was the last show you saw, and how many stars do you give it?
Beached. 3.5

Is your new show going to be any good?
Jane Austen Is Dead is lots of fun. It’s a contemporary story about searching for love… love that comes in the package of a Jane Austen hero. We’ve played to sold out crowds in Wellington and Adelaide, so Hopefully Sydney will love it too! It’s a great show for bringing a group of girls (although it has enough laughs for gentlemen too!!!) and having a few pre/post show drinks. Read Suzy’s review here

Mel Dodge is writer and star of Jane Austen Is Dead, part of Sydney Fringe 2013.
Show dates: 16 – 23 Sep, 2013
Show venue: New Theatre

5 Questions with Sarah Vickery

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sarahvickeryWhat is your favourite swear word?
Fucking fuck.

What are you wearing?
Vintage

What is love?
Consistent

What was the last show you saw, and how many stars do you give it?
I saw Beached at the Griffin. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Is your new show going to be any good?
It’s going to be off the charts good.

 

 

Sarah Vickery is directing Who Do You See?, part of Sydney Fringe 2013.
Show dates: 8 – 23 Sep, 2013
Show venue: King Street Theatre

Lifeforce: The Mother Of All Journeys (King Street Theatre)

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rsz__wp_5900_bubblesmed_Venue: King Street Theatre (Newtown NSW), Sep 6 – 21, 2013
Songs, book and lyrics: Joanne Weinberg
Director: Lisa Freshwater
Choreographer: Christopher Horsey
Actors: Natalie Lotkin, Tyran Parke, Monique Salle, Meredity O’Reilly, Charlotte Kerr, Christopher Horsey

Theatre review
Without an orchestra or band to perform a prologue, the show starts off clunky and stilted. It is a shock to the ears when characters replace conversation with big rousing musical numbers, especially when irony and comedy are not yet introduced at that early stage. Thankfully, by the time of the third song, things begin to fall into place, and Lifeforce unfurls its magic, telling a story with themes that are deep and universal. Its story isn’t a particularly interesting or unusual one, but the emotions it communicates and the ideas it explores have a profundity that elevates the musical genre from mere entertainment.

This is a demanding show for the small cast. Without support from a chorus, stage hands and elaborate sets, these six performers are required to take us on their journey, relying only on their skill and talent. Leading lady Natalie Lotkin’s confident voice is beautiful, and provides an emotional truth that gives the show a feel of authenticity. Tyran Parke demonstrates outstanding abilities both as a vocalist and actor, with a performance that is simultaneously entertaining and moving. Monique Salle gives her roles a sense of light and liveliness. Her voice is the brightest in the group, and accompanied with a keen sense of comedy, she owns some of the show’s most memorable moments.

Lisa Freshwater’s direction is accomplished. She treats her story with reverence, and imbues her characters with dignity. Freshwater’s emphasis on truthful character development allows its audience to engage and to empathise with those characters. There are instances in the production, however, where comic elements could have been played up more as the tone tends to get overly serious. From a structural perspective, the work misses the opportunity for a stronger surprise ending that could have taken the show to a more emotional conclusion. This is unfortunate and slightly bewildering.

Themes of family and parenthood when taken seriously, never fail to connect. In the case of Lifeforce, we are served an earnest and thoughtful tale of motherhood in several forms. Along with clever song-writing and beautiful singing (King St Theatre’s cosy acoustics are the perfect showcase for a small musical), this is a show that aims for the heart and never misses its mark.

www.facebook.com/lifeforcethemusical
http://2013.sydneyfringe.com/…

5 Questions with Alicia González

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aliciagonzalezWhat is your favourite swear word?
I have a few colourful ones that I am attached to. Choose one Alicia. Ok, ok! My fave this month is fuck-face.

What are you wearing?
An American Apparel mens tee and ugg boots. It’s my day off. Oh, and trackie pants. Don’t forget the pants.

What is love?
Absurd, at its best and worst of times. It is like a poisoned chalice.

What was the last show you saw, and how many stars do you give it?
Fred by Lisa Chappell at Old 505. I give it 4 out of 5 stars. Brilliant, original, courageous one-woman piece. Go see it if you can 🙂

Is your new show going to be any good?
Yes, it’s a labour of love. You’ll either love it or love to hate it and walk away and say, “fuck, I don’t think I’ve ever seen that before”, and that’s ok with me.

Alicia González is performer and devisor of Fred & Ginger, part of Sydney Fringe 2013.
Show dates: 16 – 22 Sep, 2013
Show venue: The Old 505 Theatre

5 Questions with Kelly Young

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kellyyoung1What is your favourite swear word?
Let’s just say that singing a song called “Everybody [is having a lovely time with their partners] But Me” answers that question. That’s the print friendly title, by the way…

What are you wearing?
I’m wearing as many jumpsuits as I can. I have 15!

What is love?
My daughter.

What was the last show you saw, and how many stars do you give it?
The last show I saw was the STC’s Roz and Guil. 5/5 stars. I loved existentialist Minchin.

Is your new show going to be any good?
My new show is going to be hilarious, quirky and touching. It’s going to be great! Read Suzy’s review here

Kelly Young is writer and star of Oh! My Shattered Illusions, part of Sydney Fringe 2013.
Show dates: 12 – 14 Sep, 2013
Show venue: Seymour Centre