Reviews

Watt

Adapted from the novel by Samuel Beckett by Barry McGovern & performed by Mr McGovern. Melbourne International Arts Festival. Arts Centre Melbourne, Playhouse. 4 – 11 October 2018

Barry McGovern is a mesmerising presence; he is in complete control of his material and his performance.  Alone on an almost totally bare stage for sixty minutes – and telling a rambling, discursive and dissatisfying tale – he compels attention by his concentration, the modulations of his rich voice and the minimalist use he makes of his body – particularly his eyes, which can suddenly light up… and then go dull, resigned again to the hopeless fate of his eponymous ‘hero’.  His most vigorous movements demonstrate the way Watt walks – a co

Let Me Finish

By Charlotte Otton and collaborators. Directed by Phoebe Sullivan. The Studio, The Blue Room Theatre, Perth. 2-20 October, 2018

Let Me Finish is a vibrant, dynamic, devised production about being a young woman in 2018, from dating and relationships through to self-image and the struggle to be heard.

Unapologetic and outspoken, this is an episodic piece of theatre that takes the experiences of the cast, growing up and living as young women in our society. With the help of some gorgeous photos, we get to know these very likeable young women and get a snapshot of their lives. There is also a hint of a love story woven into the plot. 

‘night Mother

By Marsha Norman. Directed by Gino Cataldo. Old Mill Theatre, South Perth, WA. 5-20 October, 2018

If you are seeking good theatre, rather than “a good time”, Old Mill Theatre’s ‘night Mother is a great choice. 

Audience numbers are not great for this expertly acted production of Marsha Norman’s Pulitzer Prize winning drama, and to be honest, the subject matter is not for everyone, as it deals with suicide.

This intense two hander is a successful directorial debut for Gino Cataldo, who shows much promise in this sphere. The performances he has extracted are excellent.

The Bard and Beyond

Queensland Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Carlos Kalmar. Violin: Arabella Steinbacher. Concert Hall, QPAC. 6 October 2018

German violinist Arabella Steinbacher was the undoubted star of this very eclectic Queensland Symphony Orchestra concert, delivering an impassioned account of Bruch’s Concerto No. 1 in G Minor. One of the most popular works for orchestra and violin in the classical music repertoire it has been a favourite with solo artists ever since it was written 150 years ago. A highly romantic piece full of sweeping melody and Hungarian folk dance themes, Ms.

My Name Is Jimi

Co-created by Jimi Bani & Jason Klarwein, based on a story by Ahdi Dimple Bani & Jimi Bani. Queensland Theatre. Melbourne International Arts Festival. Arts Centre Melbourne, Fairfax Studio. 4 – 7 October 2018

Jimi Bani embraces the audience with his wonderful smile.  A seasoned actor in theatre and television, he brims with confidence and infectious good humour.  Within seconds, he’s got us in the palm of his hand.  So, he’s the ideal guide to take us into the history and culture of his island – Mabuiag in the western Torres Strait.  Today its population is somewhere between four and five hundred people.

Madiba the Musical

By Jean-Pierre Hadida. The Comedy Theatre Melbourne (and touring Australia and NZ). 3-28 October, 2018.

It is difficult to know where to start even when only writing a review of this momentous show. French author and composer Jean-Pierre Hadida has taken on the monumental task of telling the story of Nelson Mandela’s life in a musical. Producer Neil Croker has brought the first English language version to lucky audiences in Australia. It has kept the same title as the French version – Madiba – the name of Mandela’s clan.

The Imaginary Invalid

By Molière. Blackwood Players. Blackwood Memorial Hall (SA). October 5-20, 2018

Molière’s comedies are forerunners to modern farce and also considered Restoration in type, though emanating from France rather than from the traditional English Restoration Era genesis. Key to performing in such comedy is delivering the witty, fast-paced prose well and mastering the satire and absurdity, while never losing the underlying energy. One must also be playful, yet elegant, a difficult compromise.

Rock of Ages

By Chris D'Arienzo. Songs by Various writers. Phoenix Ensemble. Directed by Morgan Orth. Musical Direction by Nick Ng. Choreography by Shelley Scott. October 5th - 27th, 2018.

Rock of Ages, the hit Broadway musical about true love, bad 80s music and even worse hair, has finally arrived at the Tin Shed, also known as, Phoenix Ensemble. While this may not be Shakepseare, Rock of Ages does provide for a fun night out at the theatre and plenty of great 80s tunes to sing along to.

Dido & Aeneas

By Henry Purcell. State Opera South Australia in collaboration with The Elder Conservatorium of Music, University of Adelaide. Plant 4, Bowden, SA. 2-7 October, 2018.By Henry Purcell. State Opera South Australia in collaboration with The Elder Conservatorium of Music, University of Adelaide. Plant 4, Bowden, SA. 2-7 October, 2018.

Your humble reviewer admits to being something of an opera novice, but this hour-long production is a pleasant experience indeed.

Picnic at Hanging Rock

From the book by Joan Lindsay. Adapted for stage by Tom Wright. University of Adelaide Theatre Guild. Little Theatre Adelaide University. October 6-20, 2018.

Joan Lindsay's Picnic at Hanging Rock was first published in 1967. Whether a true story or not, the eery tale of a group of three girls and their teacher from Appleyard College who go on a picnic to the local beauty spot is etched into Australian lore.  The Peter Weir film adaptation in 1975 told with much beauty the haunting, ethereal story about the doomed Valentine’s Day trip in 1900.

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