Glengarry Glen Ross

Glengarry Glen Ross
By David Mamet. Black Swan State Theatre Company. Directed by Kate Cherry. Heath Ledger Theatre, State Theatre Centre of Western Australia, Perth WA. 23 May - 14 June, 2015

David Mamet may be one of the world's most respected living playwrights, but for me, as a story Glengarry Glen Ross doesn't really resonate. Having said that, Black Swan State Theatre Company's latest production is a quality show in many other ways.

Richard Robert's set design involves a revolve and comprises a Chinese restaurant split over two settings and a real estate office. The attention to detail is delightful and tight, so much so that each location is almost a character in its own right. Richard Roberts also designed the 1980s costuming. Ben Collins' unobtrusive, naturalistic and at times almost imperceptible, sound design, subtly added detail, while Jon Buswell's lighting was practical and realistic.

Some excellent performances meant that we cared about the characters, which helped us maintain some interest in the story. Standouts included Peter Rowsthorn's Shelley Levene and Luke Hewitt's George Arronow, both of whose characterisation was very layered and whose characters, though flawed, were oddly sympathetic. Damian Walshe-Howling was strong as the suave but dishonest Ricky Roma. Kenneth ransome gave credence to 'out for himself' Dave Moss, Will O'Mahony was solid as office manager John Williamson, while Steve Turner was almost unrecognisable as James Lingk and Ben Mortley gave oomph to the underwritten Detective.

While I found the script underwhelming, there are still many reasons to enjoy Glengarry Glen Ross, and playing at under ninety minutes without an interval it is certainly short and sweet.

Kimberley Shaw

Images: Kenneth Ransom and Luke Hewitt, & Damian Walshe-Howling, Ben Mortley, Will O'Mahony and Steve Turner. Photographer: Gary Marsh.

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