Reviews

Passing

Fringe World. Directed by Angela Dolan. The Shambles, Fringe Central, Perth, WA. Feb 1-3, 2018

Passing, a new solo theatre work featuring the lovely Sahra Hamadi, explores the intersectionality of race, gender and sexuality through Islamic and queer culture. Written by Hamadi and director Angela Dolan, it tells of the experience of a young Algerian/Australian girl, who people assume to be white, growing up in Australia.

Au Cause Célèbre

Presented by Ms CeCe Rockefeller. Musical Director: Shanon D. Whitelock. Midsumma Festival 2018. Brunswick Mechanics Institute, 270 Sydney Rd, Brunswick. 25-27 January & 31 January - 3 February 2018.

This sultry performance by writer and performer Christopher Fieldus is evocative of a bygone era of cabaret performance. Accompanied by the talented cellist Claire Abougelis, Ms CeCe tells the tale of Cecilia’s tragic experience of love and loss. The story is woven through an eclectic collection of narrative, poetry and song and produces a highly nostalgic and melancholic mood.

Djuki Mala

Fringe World. The West Australian Spiegeltent, the Pleasure Garden, Russell Square, Northbridge, WA. Jan 28-Feb 25, 2018

One of last year’s most popular Fringe World shows, Djuki Mala returns this year, leaving you no excuse to miss this quintessentially Australian offering and one of the true blue bests of the fest.

Five fabulous super-talented dancers from Elcho Island, in North Eastern Arnhem Land, blend traditional Yolngu dance with a variety of other styles, in a fusion that is exciting, cheeky and clever - a wonderful way to showcase traditional dance and show its relevance in the 21st century. 

Ego Jacket

By Phillip Lee Curtis. Midsumma. MC Showroom, L1/48 Clifton St, Prahran. Jan 31 - Feb 4, 2018.

Ego Jacket will give you a powerful beyond belief performance. It is an actual purchasable jacket. And it is eponymous with Ego Jacket, a solo energy driven show by Phillip Lee Curtis; a great title and a fascinating cathartic rock infused cabaret show that leaves you in awe of Curtis. It is enthralling to watch; such a deluge of psychological emotions. He is a twenty something struggling with some deep seeded issues in his life.

The Cockburn Incident

Directed by Zachary Sheridan. Fringe World. Centre for Stories, Northbridge, WA. Jan 31 - Feb 3, 2018

The Cockburn Incident is set over a single day in a fictional Perth high school. Played in a presentational style by an enthusiastic young cast, it showcases a very clever and funny young writer and some promising new talent.

On the first day of the year at Cockburn College, someone has burnt the image of a giant phallus into the oval - the day before the new Year Sevens will arrive. School Captain and Angela Lansbury fan, Diane, will stop at nothing to find the culprit. 

Homophonic!

Programed by Miranda Hill. La Mama Courthouse. 29-30 January 2018

This show celebrates LGBTI composers and musicians through a musical response to life in all its pain and absurdity. Miranda Hill programmed a moving and effectively balanced concert. It ranged from Threnody for Carlos Chavez with Gamelan DanAnda and viola to a premier performance of a piece for solo double bass by Andrew Aronowicz by way of a mini opera “Stubble” and Jesus Erbame Dich by Claude Vivier sung by the Consort of Melbourne.

Love Bird

By Georgina Harriss. The Butterfly Club, Melbourne. Jan 30 - Feb 4, 2018

Hilarious new absurdist comedy Love Bird is a family drama turned on its head and pulled from side to side to portray preposterous situations in a frivolous and comical manner.

Abyss

Fringe World. Directed by Rebecca Price.Paper Mountain, Wellington St, Northbridge, WA. Jan 29-30, 2018

On a black set, on an unlit stage, solo performer Rebecca Price, dressed in an old style diving helmet and gear, and weighed down with chains, goes through a daily routine.

An interesting exploration of living life in the abyss, with the weight of the world on your shoulders.

An essentially wordless performance piece, except for the well constructed audiovisuals, it is underscored by emotive old-style jazz. Some of the narration on the film is difficult to discern, but this does not detract from the message. 

Soup

Fringe World. Directed by Ana Victoria Neves. The Lucky Cat, The Supper Room, Perth Town Hall, WA. Jan 30 - Feb 4, 2018.

Soup is based on the idea that ‘Men are the only ones with the right to talk about Women’s bodies’. As such, all of the women in this short play dealing with women’s issues are played by men.

A Rhapsody in Red

The Wicked Stage. Fringe World. Connections Night Club, Northbridge, WA. Jan 26 - 31, 2018

A Rhapsody in Red is a sweet, sexy and strange tribute to the 1960s, featuring three fabulous performers with amazing voices, top notch choreography and great warmth. Presented by The Wicked Stage and starring The CoverGirls, it is an instruction guide to finding a husband, and living life as a modern sixties girl.

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