An Australian One-Act Play Triple Bill

Normally at this time of year Wyong Drama Group play host to an open invitational festival of one-act plays. With the construction of $12.7m Performing Arts Centre due for completion next year, the festival is in hiatus, but clearly the urge to put a lot of energy into a very short season at their temporary home was still strong. The three plays were all penned by multi-award winning, former resident playwright Peter Kocan. The Card Players, set in a 1960s mental institution was a particularly affecting piece which gave astute commentary on the vast array of 'triggers' to emotional instability, as family members and staff seemed every bit as disturbed as the inmates. The Maltese Mouse, an adorable noir-farce (as the name suggests) provided welcome comic relief before the intense political family drama, Home Fires Burning, set in 1930s working class Australia. Kocan's personal history of mental health issues injects genuine depth and wit to his writing; which was enhanced by thoughtful performances. A diverse, entertaining and refreshingly thought-provoking night of community theatre. 

Rose Cooper