Back at the Dojo

Lally Katz, author of Neighbourhood Watch, was born in America and came to Australia as a teenager. This semi-autobiographical work about her grandparents, told in drug-induced flashbacks, gets somewhat lost in an Australian hospital room, last resting place of Grandma Lois.

Stand-in for the author is Patti, once Patrick, now a damaged, fidgety woman outcast by her partner, wide-eyed on drugs. As Lois slowly dies and Grandad Dan (Brian Lipson) refuses to accept the fact, so Patti (Luke Mullins) is granted a mass of short scenes that reveal Dan’s past, leading to the meeting and wooing with the vibrant young Lois (Catherine Davies).

Mullins must work hard throughout the play, for he alone sees everything, feels everything. Grandad is too busy stroking his wife’s hair, or running over the karate moves first learnt when they met.

The short snippets reveal the Dojo, where the steely teacher is played by Natsuko Mineghishi, real life black belt and singer. This ruthless and disciplined teacher is brilliantly portrayed, with lightning fast moves and cracking power: it’s easy to see how young Danny (Harry Greenwood) could be attracted to her.

The cast of half a dozen race to perform karate alongside their acting duties. Catherine Davies is glowing as Lois; Fayssal Bazzi makes his mark as the crippled Jerry; Dara Clear makes you wince as he attempts to remain upright in a gripping fight with the sensei. ‘A black belt is a white belt that never stops’, says she enigmatically.

The wide hospital room is oddly rearranged during the interval. There is excellent Lighting Design from Richard Vabre and Music and Sound Design from Jethro Woodward. Director Chris Kohn has worked hard on the script, changing and cutting right up to the first night.

Frank Hatherley

Photographer: (top) Natsuko Mineghishi and Harry Greenwood, & Catherine Davies. Photographer: Brett Boardman.