Reviews

It was cabaret night at the Judy this last week with a trio of ladies flaunting their post academic frustrations of varying talents with an evening of anything from opera to pop/rock in a Where-Do-I-Go I-Can-Do-That theatrical bash with a doll theme.

Being a creative collaboration between the artists themselves and the production team this was a personal exposé of women in contemporary society today, touching on elements of feminism, image, career and motherhood (and the mortgage)

“Retired? Retired from what? Life?” All This Living is sharp, defiant, surreal story-telling about how to negotiate old age in a culture where elderly females are stereotyped as burdens to be patronized, whose only importance is as a market for anti-aging products. One of the Canberra arts scene’s most familiar performers, Camilla Blunden explores old age as a new phase of life to be negotiated. Having arrived at this point seemingly suddenly, the character struggles with her sense of self.

Ensemble’s reprise of this very special Australian play - and the very special actors who perform it – will be well received by HSC English teachers and students. It has been ‘on the list’ for some years, and seeing it on the stage not only brings Bridie and Sheila to life, but makes the story they tell through John Misto’s carefully researched and evocative script even more poignant for those who study it.

If you’re into trendy theatre-speak you might well call Dural Musical Society’s West Side Story ‘Immersive’ theatre.