Angels in America

Tony Kushner's Angels in America, Part 1, Millennium Approaches, has never before been professionally performed in Western Australia. At one point the most performed play in the United States, it is a show that has been long awaited, and is now presented by Black Swan State Theatre Company.

Kate Cherry has assembled a very strong cast performing on Christina Smith's clinically clean, thoughtfully designed and smoothly transcending set.

Angels in America is a collection of intertwined plot-lines, all of which are given clear focus and deal with a multitude of 'big issues'. Set in the time it was written, although this is very much a product of its time, its themes remain topical and relevant.

Stuart Halusz stands out as earnest Mormon lawyer Joseph Porter Pitt - a good Mormon, except for the fact that he is gay. His chronically depressed, anxiety ridden, prescription-drug addicted wife, Harper, is portrayed with depth by Jo Morris. Kenneth Ransom is excellent, both as Harper's imaginary companion Mr Lies and extroverted not-quite-former drag queen Belize.

Adam Booth is lovely as Prior Walter who has contracted AIDS, while Will O'Mahoney gives many layers to Prior's partner Louis who is unable to cope with Prior's demise.

John Stanton, initially a little filmic and difficult to understand as obnoxious and corrupt Roy Cohn, ultimately delivers a strong performance in this linchpin role.

Felicity McKay and Toni Scanlon provide strong support, playing a variety of diverse characters.

Christina Smith's clinical and crisp set, is given a greater sense of locale by Matt Scott's empathetic lighting and her capture of character in her early nineties costuming is superb. Ash Gibson Greig's sound design and composition is organic, alternating between almost imperceptible subtlety and the extremely intrusive, it is so appropriate that it feels as if it 'just happens'.

This is a long play and my only concern with this production, it at times, despite swift transitions, the pace within scenes doesn't always help. While  it never lags, at times it lacked drive. Strong story and great characterisation keep the audience engaged.

Angels in America is an excellent choice for Black Swan and a play that is many years overdue. This was a solid and memorable production of this play that is well worth experiencing.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Daniel James Grant.