Deeming

The year is 1892, the news of a vicious murder has the set the Melbourne press on fire.  This inspires actor and theatre manager Alfred Dampier (Hunt) to come up with the idea of Reality Theatre – a continually evolving play based on the unfolding murder investigation. Thus is the premise of this intriguing three-hander - a play within a play, where the line between what is real and what is being passionately-devised becomes blurred. Hopley's previous directorial dalliances with Shakespeare and Grand Guignol Theatre combine perfectly here. The actors’ characterisations are strong and the overall feel is authentic. Clever staging allows for brisk scene changes, while the use of a scrim adds to the gothic feel. While the script reeks of history, themes regarding the lust for notoriety are as relevant now as ever.

Rose Cooper