A Conversation

A Conversation is the second play in David Williamson's Jack Manning trilogy about community conferencing, the first being Face to Face, which director Brendan Ellis directed last year at Stirling Theatre to some acclaim.

A more disturbing story than its predecessor, A Conversation follows a community conference after the rape and murder of a young woman Donna Milsom, between her parents and the family of the perpetrator.

Donna's parents were played by Gino Cataldo and Lis Hoffman. While Gino Cataldo's acting appeared a little stiff in the opening scene, this transformed into a stiffness of his character and a believable portrayal. Lis Hoffman delivered a bravura performance of the highest standard throughout.

Sitting opposite the Milsoms, we meet the murderer's family, his indulgent mother Coral (nicely played by Gail Lusted), his sister Gail ( a well-presented Natasha Stiven), bullied brother Mick (a subtle but strong performance by Brodie Masini) and reluctant-to-be-there uncle (Andrew Watson) They worked well together as a family, but a number of factors including Natasha Stiven's gorgeous but incongruous Scottish accent, were impediments to belief.

Rett Clark made his community theatre debut in the difficult role of facilitator Jack Manning, while Katrina Murphy tackled the challenging role of psychologist Lorin Zemenack.

Many companies would have opted for very simple set with such a character based play set in a meeting room, but director designer Brendan Ellis created a fully realised conference space which was beautifully finished and presented. Lighting and sound (Ben Davis and Michelle Endersbee) were unobtrusive and appropriate. Music for the play was created by The Grant Windsor Trio. Costuming (Dale James) was nicely selected.

A confronting show, the emotions were well crafted and direction nicely handled. The audience's attention never waned. This was an impressive effort.

Kimberley Shaw.