The Flock and the Nest

The Flock and the Nest serves the purpose of stunning learning vehicle and great showpiece of what can be accomplished when a theatre company collaborates with a school on a purpose-written text by a spirited young Playwright.  

‘Monopoly, Mortgages and Money’ could be an alternative title to this multi-leveled work that is a snapshot of changing fortunes in several families’ lives presented, predominantly, through the eyes of teenagers.  It is a curious piece of writing that intriguingly signposts complex and potentially disturbing issues that are not specifically explored.  As such it may ultimately benefit from some reworking to more fully investigate these issues if it is to have a life beyond this incarnation.

This production deftly describes the quick and often abrupt pace at which things can change in teenagers’ lives and how sometimes life-changing events are barely absorbed and processed by kids as they travel through adolescence.

Director Gary Abrahams has achieved a splendidly level playing-field for his (professional and student) actors who are all set to excel before the end of the run.  Rosie Traynor plays the warm supportive Niamh with energy and exuberance.   Dion Mills plays Martin with an appropriate dose of the self-serving sleaze.  Yesse Spence brings a nice sincerity to pill popping Ebony and Ben Prendergast’s Mark is very believable as a somewhat emotionally deficient, or at the very least undemonstrative Dad. 

Although often highly inventive, some segues are a little slow but will, no doubt, speed up considerably in production.

The drama students, led by a very poised Conor Maclaren as the fast maturing Callum, all shine in roles that are basically written for them.  They work with a relaxed confidence that allows them to comfortably listen and respond spontaneously, in character.  The resultant effect is a convincing and satisfying staging of ‘Naturalism’.

Sean Rees-Wemyss portrays Terry, with his outbursts of frustration, in a way that suggests serious distress and movingly elicits concern. Tamara Cole’s manipulative and naïve, conflict causing, Kiera is pitched just right.  Kiera’s boyfriend, Michael, is played by Ben Ronec.   Ben insightfully represents Michael’s confusion and awkwardness at being a neglected suitor.  Piper Lily Golias has heaps of fun with Melanie, particularly in a decidedly entertaining fortune-telling scene.  A sometimes bossy and controlling Tess is given depth and perspective by Lydia Ganci.  Both Daisy Murdoch and Kate O’Hara imbue their characters of Esther and Astrid, respectively, with a genuine sense of being hippy/country kids.  Michael Fajgman as Adam displays significant physical adroitness and swift focus, particularly in the ‘awesome’ group devised game that is played several times.  Jack Mallas as Nicky generates some great comic relief.  And the two mates Will (Shandor Biczok) and Oliver (Daniel Dimasi-Whyte) add a very real essence of young male comradely companionship. 

It is the companionship of all these young people that underpins the work onstage and, most likely, off-stage as well.

The sound design (Daniel Nixon) signals foreboding and other heightened emotional states, sometimes a little incongruously, adding another dimension.

A number of times I was reminded of Louis Nowra’s Summer of The Aliens and its raw, honest and sometimes surprising, depiction of growing up.

A very rich, slick and significant collaboration – certainly worth catching if you are interested in what can be achieved when a work is commission for a school and produced professionally.

Suzanne Sandow

Images: Yesse Spencer, Dion Mills, Ben Prendergast and Rosie Traynor & Dion Mills, Rosie Traynor. Photographer: Scott Crozier.

Production Crew:

Director – Gary Abrahams

Production Manager – Lauren Taylor

Lighting  - Nick Merryleess

Costume – Susan Handasyde

Sound Design – Daniel Nixon

Cast:  Rosie Traynor, Dion Mills, Yesse Spence, Ben Prendergast, Sean Rees-Wemyss, Tamara Cole, Lydia Ganci, Conor Maclaren, Piper Lily Golias, Ben Ronec, Shandor Biczok, Daniel Dimasi-Whyte, Michael Fajgman, Kate O’Hara, Daisy Murdoch and Jack Mallas.