One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest

Mental Health had been a “taboo” topic of conversation up until 1975 when the film version of this play starring Jack Nicholson came to our attention. Since then the community has become increasingly aware of the circumstances surrounding this medical condition and fortunately the treatment has improved tremendously.

Mike Sheehan’s production gives the audience a “real” understanding of how things were and his entire cast treat the play with dignity while portraying those affected by this situation.

The cast includes masterful performances by John Rado as Randle McMurphy and his 8 fellow patients (all of whom maintained their afflicted characterisations throughout the play). Kasadevi Curtis was the sadistic Nurse Ratched. And the supporting Asylum personnel were suited to their roles. Hillary Goodsell and Brook Lacy revelled in their characters of the two “tarts” that partied in the All Male ward.

Even though the subject matter is dramatic there is a lot of comedy in the show while still maintaining the seriousness of the illness. 

The set gave one the feeling of being couped up and oppressed/depressed and was used to advantage.

Ballina is to be congratulated for tackling a controversial subject in a sympathetic matter.

Roger McKenzie

Image: Iesha Williams