The Mozart Faction

The Mozart Faction made its professional premiere in Perth ten years ago. Written by Kate Rice, who lived for some time in Perth, it features a community choir who find themselves held at gunpoint, during their rehearsal.

Playwright Rice, who has sung in community choirs, has an excellent understanding of the grievances, worries, jealousies and passions in community arts organisations, many of which will be familiar to community theatre participants, but this play goes further. How much does your hobby mean to you? Could you faithfully promise never, ever to sing again?

Melville’s incarnation features a dedicated cast who work well as a choir and an ensemble. Lighting and sound (designed by Lars Jensen and operated by Barbara Lovell) are subtle and unobtrusive, as are costumes and the (non) set, giving us a very realistic sense of place.

Choir director Evie, somewhat of a harridan, is played with power and attitude by real-life chorister Victoria Dixon. Karl van Zwol believably plays headmaster Terry, with natural and easy authority, and Valerie Henry is lovely as the likeable, lonely and loyal Shirl.

Good characterisations and team-work from choir members Val (Briana Dunn) and Anne Marie (Susan Veart). Callum Yardley is convincing as Ari, Daniel Wilson holds his own in his second ever show and Elouise Martin makes a strong community theatre debut as Sophie.

Steven Hounsome demands attention in the catalyst role as Wolf - who invades the choir rehearsal with a gun, because he can’t stand to listen to them anymore. A powerful performance.

Melville Theatre have produced a solid and enjoyable production of this strong, likeable Australian play. Wonderful to see new(ish) local work and a welcome return to the director’s chair for the formerly retired Siobhan O’Gara. Well worth catching this passionate production.

Kimberley Shaw