August: Osage County

Director David Sinclair has assembled a stellar cast to bring to life the Pulitzer Prize winning play August: Osage County. If the title is familiar then you may have seen the 2013 movie of the same name, starring Meryl Streep. Thankfully I had not seen the film, so I went along with no expectations.

After the death of Beverly Weston the patriarch of the family; members gather at their childhood home in Oklahoma to mourn their losses. What ensues is chaos, disfunction and a raw expose of a family with secrets.

This play can be best described as black comedy. Playwright Tracy Letts’ written word is full of cynicism and confessions and should be applauded for its brutal honesty and humour. A good script does not always reach its potential, but this ensemble have exceeded expectation with outstanding characterisation.

Nikki Fort breathes life into a pill popping widow Violet Weston; her performance is nothing short of brilliant, her caustic wit drips from her cancer ridden mouth to the gasps of family and audience alike. The direction is flawless, with attention to detail evident. The eldest of three daughters Barbara, played by Helen Geoffreys, is not unlike her mother; nursing the wounds of a broken marriage combined with her stubborn dominance reveals a burning resentment towards most who cross her path. A skilled performer Geoffreys leaves you spellbound, but still empathising with her character’s predicament. Rounding out the siblings were Bronwen James in the role of Ivy Weston and Lisa Lacy as Karen Weston. Both delivered strong performances. This play belongs to the Weston women, but they were ably supported by a strong ensemble of players.

Not unlike watching a soap opera I found myself addicted to the melodrama. This production is what quality theatre is all about; absorbing performances that leave you wanting more. This show is not to be missed!

Kerry Cooper

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