We’re two-thirds of the way through the year and a quick
look at the theatre I’ve seen this calendar year, I’m almost certain that many –
if not all – of my Top Five shows of the year, I have seen in the last couple
of months. Across main stage and independent theatre, I’ve been quite
disappointed in the quality of shows I’ve seen in Melbourne. Until recently.
The tide began to turn with MTC’s Neon Festival and ever
since then, I’ve been much more impressed. Here’s some thoughts on shows I’ve
seen recently.
SAVAGES
Patricia Cornelius and Susie Dee have designed a confronting
but poetic examination of masculinity and misogyny at 45 Downstairs. The angled
stage is disconcerting to look at even before the four men begin to prowl
around it, but this simple design choice adds a lot of weight to Cornelius’
already dense script. The four characters are beautifully delineated, even
though they have so many thoughts and instincts in common. What I loved most
about it was Cornelius’ use of language, to heighten the experience, but to
also dig under our skin and expose the dark heart of these average blokes.
Until Sept 8th at 45 Downstairs
THE CHERRY ORCHARD
Simon Stone may be controversial when the matter of
adaptations arises, but when examining his work as it stands, he’s one of our
most exciting directors. This somewhat modernised adaptation of Chekov’s
classic play is entirely faithful to plot and character, but beyond that the
design and direction is bold and very memorable. The stark white frame enlivens
the comedy but makes stark the tragedy that is befalling the family. The cast
is superb and I love the way that Stone plays outside inside the proscenium.
This didn’t change my world, but it did reaffirm that Stone is an exciting
director and his adaptations are fascinating.
Until Sept 25th at Southbank Theatre, Melbourne Theatre Company
COLUMBINE
Director Daniel Lammin and students at Monash University have
explored their memories and the evidence of the Columbine high school shooting
in this perceptive and insightful piece of verbatim theatre. Lammin is an
exciting director on the independent scene and this is his biggest work to
date. He also calls it his most important. The show is both the actors
recreating moments from that fateful day in 1999, reciting quotes from
interviews, reneacting videos and talking about their own recollections of the
events. The devised script and Lammin’s direction keeps moving, enhanced by
beautiful performances, evocative lighting, affecting music and choreography
that is sometimes frightening and sometimes amusing.
Until Sept 6th at Monash University Student Theatre
night maybe
I was so enamoured with this show, I saw it twice. I haven’t
seen any other shows more than once this year, not necessarily because I didn’t
want to but because I couldn’t (sold out) or I didn’t have time (so much
theatre on in Melbourne; also I have theatre to make, as well).
Every element of this show comes together to enhance every
other. It may have started with Kit Brookman’s insightful script about growing
up, burgeoning sexuality, gender confusion and familial discomfort (and perhaps
abuse), but it’s brought to life inside Mel Page’s incredible set and lit to
perfection by Richard Vabre and evocatively scored by James Brown.
Luke Mullins’ assured direction pulls everything together,
keeping the performances suitably restrained but always somewhat otherworldly.
This play feels real and like a dream and like a nightmare, sometimes all at
once. Central to the performances on stage is Sarah Ogden’s subtle, complex and
layered turn as Sasha, who is both lost in the woods but also able to navigate
her way through the trouble she finds there. Ogden is always magnificent, but
here she flawless.
The rest of the cast are superb in supporting Ogden, Tom Conroy
and Marcus McKenzie play multiple roles – Conroy standing out as Tom and Sally.
Brian Lipson is suitably unnerving as a character referred to in the programme
as “Ghost” but he’s much more menacing because he feels so real.
The play is non-naturalistic, though it tricks the audience
with its somewhat naturalistic dialogue at the start. Some of the events seem
muddled, but the production is so evocative in so many ways – and so beautiful
to look at and to listen to and to watch, that even when you can’t quite
understand what is happening, you can appreciate the beauty and feel the
characters’ uncertainty anyway.
Until Sept 1st at Theatreworks
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