One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

Staging One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest in Australia requires a lack of sanity.

First, Cuckoo’s Nest is filled with American cultural references.

Second, the early 21st Century is the wrong time for this play. Modern psychiatric hospitals are mostly dissimilar from what you see on stage.

Third, the play calls for a cast of 16. While several actors in the ensemble only have a short time on stage, few of the roles are interchangeable.

Yet somehow Monster Media made the play work.

Regarding the geography, those American cultural references create a vivid world. This vividness draws the audience into the story.

As for being staged at the wrong time, it’s no worse than watching a classic movie — a classic is a classic even if its worldview are outdated.

As for the cast, every actor in the ensemble made their characters stand out. Two actors especially so.

Eddie Muliaumaseali’i as Chief Bromden commands attention with his booming voice, gargantuan physicality, and sensitive performance.

Nicholas Denton presents a younger-than-normal version of Billy Bibbit. Denton plays Bibbit with a vulnerability that makes you want to step in and take care of him.

This is an extraordinary production. While it is unsettling and dark, you won’t be able to look away. You’ll be glad you saw this production.

Daniel G. Taylor

Images: G W Photography.