August: Osage County

Dale Ferguson's set basically summarises the MTC production of August Osage County. It is a massive triple level house.
Every naturalistic detail is there and this play by Tracy Lett's is epic in every sense of the word. .
Simon Phillips and the MTC have given Melbourne a tour-de-force of what I am sure will one day be considered one of the greatest American plays of all time. (It has already won a Pultizer Prize, a number of Tony Awards and there is now a film version in development.)
But to be honest, the writing is so good; it is hard to imagine how this stellar ensemble production could not be anything but a success. This could be Tennesse Williams or Arthur Miller. It is a classic for our time.
Robyn Nevin is incredible as the drug-addled matriarch. The production is worth seeing simply for her performance.
As a member of the MTV generation, I was slightly concerned by the advertised running time of "over three hours" - but rest assured the pace is tight and the show is of the highest possible standard.
This has to be one of the best things I have seen in years.
Bryce Ives

Photo: Courtesy Jeff Busby