Tag Archives: TAP Gallery

5 Questions with Wade Doolan

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wadedoolanWhat is your favourite swear word?
Fuck. Fuck is a fucking brilliant word.

What are you wearing?
My partner’s Winnie the Pooh dressing gown.

What is love?
An agreement that you are going to take on the world together; kiss in the good times and cuddle in the bad. That, and sharing the last piece of cheesecake.

What was the last show you saw, and how many stars do you give it?
All My Sons at Darlinghurst Theatre. 4 stars.

Is your new show going to be any good?
Yes, yes it is. In fact, I think it may even be fucking good. But come and judge for yourself.

 

Wade Doolan is starring in Stitching.
Show dates: 26 Mar – 12 Apr, 2014
Show venue: TAP Gallery

5 Questions with Lara Lightfoot

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laralightfootWhat is your favourite swear word?
Cunt. Gosh, I can’t believe I just said that. It never used to be. I blame our trip to Scotland, they use it like lose change.

What are you wearing?
A black pencil skirt, singlet and sandals – squeezing what I can out of these sunny days.

What is love?
Generosity in listening and in being.

What was the last show you saw, and how many stars do you give it?
All My Sons at Darlinghurst Theatre. 4/5 stars.

Is your new show going to be any good?
Yes, I think it will be. The play is already heartbreakingly brilliant, and we’re working with a fabulous team of creatives. I hope our audience connect with the elements that drew us to this script, but ultimately it will be for them to decide.

Lara Lightfoot is starring in Stitching.
Show dates: 26 Mar – 12 Apr, 2014
Show venue: TAP Gallery

Review: Pinball (Duck Duck Goose Theatre Company)

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pinball1Venue: TAP Gallery (Darlinghurst NSW), Feb 11 – 28, 2014
Playwright: Alison Lyssa
Director: Sarah Vickery
Actors: Ali Aitken, John Michael Burdon, Leo Domingan, Emma Louise, Faran Martin, Karoline O’Sullivan

Theatre review
Pinball first appeared in 1980/81, providing an early voice for the plight of lesbian mothers, who had faced oppressive heteronormative forces in their fight for rights to custody of their children. Alison Lyssa’s words are powerful and devastating. With the passage of time, her feminist point of view as expressed in the play may resonate differently from original intentions, but her depiction of misogyny and homophobia in Western and Christian societal structures remains accurate, scathing and raw.

Sarah Vickery’s direction, like the pinball, brings colour, movement, bells and whistles to the work, effectively preventing the play from lingering too much in dark and dour territory. There is however an unevenness and disunity in acting styles, which results in confusion with storylines, and performers detracting from each other’s work. Karoline O’Sullivan plays melodrama well and excels with a sense of fragility and earnestness, but without the appropriate support from the rest of the production, her performance seems off-kilter. John Michael Burdon works extremely hard in all of his five roles, and is delightful in scenes that require his assertive flamboyance, but less effective when restraint is needed.

Pinball machines are frustrating. They deny your will and go where they wish, despite all your attempts at imposing control over their journeys. This is also true of revolutionary politics and art. Feminism and queer politics seek to destabilise and correct the failings of our status quo, and theatre has the responsibility to challenge and advance conventions when things become too cosy and predictable. Sometimes it’s just not about you liking it.

www.facebook.com/ddgtheatre

5 Questions with Faran Martin

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rsz_faranelise_headshotWhat is your favourite swear word?
Motherfucker. It has dawned on me how inappropriate it is, but I can’t lie about the fact that I favour it.

What are you wearing?
I am wearing my pyjamas, which is an old Boy From Oz show shirt. Can I live that down?!

What is love?
Undeniable and unequivocal. Magic.

What was the last show you saw, and how many stars do you give it?
King Kong gets 3.5. I’d give it 5 for passion to the cause, achievement and a truly beautiful creature in Kong, but a few essentials fell by the wayside to present the wonder of technology.

Is your new show going to be any good?
It’s ridiculously good. The crickets are raving already. I just gave a solo preview outside my bedroom window and they’ve not shut up all night.

Faran Martin is performing in Pinball, part of the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras 2014 festival.
Show dates: 11 – 28 Feb, 2014
Show venue: TAP Gallery

Suzy Goes See’s Best Of 2013

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Images from a few 2013 stand-outs: A Sign Of The Times, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, All My Sons, Hamlet, Empire: Terror On The High Seas, Hay Fever, Bodytorque.Technique, Waiting For Godot.

Images from a few 2013 stand-outs: A Sign Of The Times, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, All My Sons, Hamlet, Empire: Terror On The High Seas, Hay Fever, Bodytorque.Technique, Waiting For Godot.

This is a wrap up of special moments since the commencement of Suzy Goes See in April 2013. A personal selection from over 100 productions seen in Sydney. Thank you to artists, companies, publicists and punters who have supported Suzy Goes See in 2013. I cannot wait for more shenanigans with you in the new year!

Update: Click here for the Best Of 2014 list.

Suzy x

♥ Avant Garde Angels
The bravest and most creative experimental works in 2013.

♥ Quirky Questers
The most unusual and colourful characters to appear on our stages in 2013.

♥ Design Doyennes
Outstanding visual design in 2013. Fabulous lights, sets and costumes.

♥ Darlings Of Dance
Breathtaking brilliance in the dance space of 2013.

♥ Musical Marvels
Outstanding performers in cabaret and musicals in 2013.

♥ Second Fiddle Superstars
Scene-stealers of 2013 in supporting roles.

♥ Champs Of Comedy
The cleverest, sharpest, and funniest performances of 2013.

♥ Daredevils Of Drama
Bold and excellent acting in dramatic roles in 2013.

♥ Wise With Words
The most interesting and intelligent scripts of 2013.

♥ Directorial Dominance
The most impressive work in direction for 2013.

♥ Shows Of The Year
Nice coincidence to have different genres represented: drama, musical, dance, comedy and cabaret.

♥ Suzy’s Special Soft Spot
For an exceptional work I saw in Melbourne.

End

Best of 2018 | Best of 2017 | Best of 2016 | Best of 2015 | Best Of 2014

The Dreamer Examines His Pillow (Unpathed Theatre Company)

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dreamerexaminesVenue: TAP Gallery (Darlinghurst NSW), Dec 10 – 21, 2013
Playwright: John Patrick Shanley
Director: Vashti Pontaks
Actors: Ainslie Clouston, Scott Lee, Peter McAllum
Image by Tom Bannerman

Theatre review (of preview performance, Dec 11)
The best stories in theatre and film contain messages and morals that are applicable to lives everywhere. The Dreamer Examines His Pillow seeks to unpack profound truths of our shared experiences, and present on stage an enlightened point of view that can enrich and inspire everyone. John Patrick Shanley’s script was written early on in his career, but is masterful in the way it expresses its philosophies, mainly from the perspective of a middle-aged character.

Peter McAllum plays Dad, the aforementioned role, with powerful conviction and exquisite relish. It is evident that McAllum has a good affiliation with the material, and many of the play’s complex ideas are articulated effortlessly and clearly through his portrayal. McAllum is thoroughly enjoyable to watch. He dominates in his scenes, and is quite obviously having the time of his life in this unique gem of an opportunity.

Direction by Vashti Pontaks relies heavily on performances from her three actors, who are all keenly energetic, but who also vary in experience and ability. While they are all focussed and charismatic, the depth of some sections do not always translate well when in the hands of the younger performers. Chemistry is also lacking between the young leads, and humorous moments are sometimes missed. Pontaks’ strength lies in the more serious aspects of the play, but the length of the work requires that its lighter sections deliver the laughs, in order that interest is more effectively sustained.

A lot of Dreamer is about courage, and Pontaks drives that message through beautifully. She also constructs a world where the concept of fear is palpably believable. The courage we need for living full lives, and the courage artists need for bringing their work to fruition, are explored and on display in this earnest and dynamic production. It is up to us to rise from our slumber, and to decide for ourselves whether an unexamined life is worth living.

www.unpathed.com.au

5 Questions with John Michael Burdon

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rsz_john_headshot_2What is your favourite swear word?
Fuck.

What are you wearing?
Billabong singlet and St George Dragons footy shorts.

What is love?
Love is believing in a time where wishing still worked.

What was the last show you saw, and how many stars do you give it?
The last show I saw was Dying For It at New Theatre, 4 out of 5 stars.

Is your new show going to be any good?
Our new show is going to be a great eclectic visual representation of an era I grew up in with great actors and awesome creative team, so I do believe it is going to be great otherwise I wouldn’t do it.

 

John Michael Burdon is performing in Pinball, part of the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras 2014 festival.
Show dates: 11 – 28 Feb, 2014
Show venue: TAP Gallery

Cowboy Mouth (Such&Such Productions)

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rsz_img_8354Venue: TAP Gallery (Darlinghurst NSW), Dec 4 – 7, 2013
Playwrights: Sam Shepard & Patti Smith
Director: Kate Wadey
Actors: Bianca London, Jake Lyall

Theatre review
The script is a challenging one. It is full of incoherence, and has consistent stylistic allusions to intoxication. Abstraction is its addiction, and effort is required of both artist and audience to embrace and appreciate it. Words on stage function differently from when they are in a book. We listen to them at a speed dictated by actors, and do not have the luxury to ruminate on complex sections at our own leisure. Fortunately, Kate Wadey’s direction is careful to tell the story visually and through music, creating a show that relies on more than the delivery of lines to connect.

Wadey’s creative decisions are interesting and well thought through. She utilises her actors’ skills well, showing them off in the best light possible, thus drawing us into their bizarre love story. Wadey has chosen to play the characters’ conversation relatively straightforward, which helps with grounding the abstract nature of the writing, but sacrifices the opportunity for more outlandish theatrical expression. There is a sense of restraint that makes for an elegant interpretation, but could at times come across slightly conservative.

Jake Lyall plays Slim with great conviction and power. Within the confines of script and direction, he does a beautiful job of bringing to life a character that we do not necessarily understand a great deal of. He portrays a wide range of emotion with authenticity and clarity, and it is his emotional journey that forms the main plot trajectory on which we travel. Lyall is a charismatic performer who commands attention easily, and shows intelligence in the measured way he tackles the role.

Bianca London’s portrayal of Cavale highlights the innocence of the couple. London has the valuable quality of affability, and the wide-eyed wonder she brings to the piece lightens the work, making it more palatable, although the bleak inebriation that characterises the writers’ legacy from the period is missed. Nostalgia and reminiscence is not a major driving force in this production of Cowboy Mouth, but as an exploration of intimate theatre, it succeeds in creating something unconventional, landing at a space that is certainly off the beaten track.

www.facebook.com/SuchandSuchproductions

5 Questions with Bianca London

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biancalondonWhat is your favourite swear word?
A Serbian phrase I shan’t repeat.

What are you wearing?
A black onesie and suede boots I’m yet to spray protector on.

What is love?
Invisible to the eye.

What was the last show you saw, and how many stars do you give it?
Vere (Faith) it’s brilliantly directed and certainly gives rise to my thoughts on a theatre experience. Oh I saw The NIDA’s directors show last night. Chris Harley’s In A Pink Tutu is fun, I want a tutu now!

Is your new show going to be any good?
Of course, who hasn’t dreamt of being a rock star. I still dance in my room with a brush and the ol’ Beyonce Song.

Bianca London is co-producing and appearing in Cowboy Mouth.
Show dates: 4 – 7 Dec, 2013
Show venue: TAP Gallery

Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras 2014 Theatre Highlights

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Here’s a list of theatre productions in the 2014 Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras festival season.
These are the most exciting events in the Mardi Gras calendar for me, and I cannot wait to go see them!
Other events including cabaret performances and visual art exhibitions can be seen at www.mardigras.org.au.

Falsettos Darlinghurst Theatre Venue: Eternity Playhouse, Darlinghurst Date: Feb 7 – Mar 16

Falsettos
Darlinghurst Theatre
Venue: Eternity Playhouse, Darlinghurst
Date: Feb 7 – Mar 16

Privates On Parade New Theatre V enue: New Theatre, Newtown Date: Feb 11 – Mar 8

Privates On Parade
New Theatre
Venue: New Theatre, Newtown
Date: Feb 11 – Mar 8

Pinball Duck Duck Goose Theatre Co Venue: TAP Gallery Date: Feb 11 - 28

Pinball
Duck Duck Goose Theatre Co
Venue: TAP Gallery
Date: Feb 11 – 28

The Death Of Kings Adam Deusien Venue: Gingers Oxford Hotel, Darlinghurst Date: Feb 13 - 19

The Death Of Kings
Director: Adam Deusien
Venue: Gingers Oxford Hotel, Darlinghurst
Date: Feb 13 – 19

Discovering Eugenia Devisor: Mark Tedeschi QC Venue: Police and Justice Museum, Sydney Date: Feb 13

Discovering Eugenia
Devisor: Mark Tedeschi QC
Venue: Police and Justice Museum, Sydney
Date: Feb 13

Jump For Jordan Griffin Theatre Company Venue: SBW Stables Theatre Date: Feb 14 - Mar 29

Jump For Jordan
Griffin Theatre Company
Venue: SBW Stables Theatre
Date: Feb 14 – Mar 29

The Dead Ones Vitalstatistix Theatre Company Venue: Seymour Centre, Chippendale Date: Feb 18 - 22

The Dead Ones
Vitalstatistix Theatre Company
Venue: Seymour Centre, Chippendale
Date: Feb 18 – 22

Everything I Know I Learnt From Madonna Devisor: Wayne Tunks Venue: Old Fitzroy Theatre, Woolloomooloo Date: Feb 18 - 22

Everything I Know I Learnt From Madonna
Tunks Productions
Venue: Old Fitzroy Theatre, Woolloomooloo
Date: Feb 18 – 22

Desperate Houseboys Matthew Management & Neil Gooding Productions Venue: Seymour Centre, Chippendale Date: Feb 18 - 28

Desperate Houseboys
Matthew Management & Neil Gooding Productions
Venue: Seymour Centre, Chippendale
Date: Feb 18 – 28

Bata-Me! (Popwitch) Director: Diego Bagagal Venue: TBA Date: Feb 25 - 28

Bata-Me! (Popwitch)
Director: Diego Bagagal
Venue: TBA
Date: Feb 25 – 28