Untitled, or The Seat of Narcissa

Untitled, or The Seat of Narcissa is a rollicking, queer period romp with a talented cast.  It is presented by Burning Deck Theatre Company, who had a success with The Four Accordionists of the Apocalypse at Melbourne Fringe in 2012. Like The Four Horses, Narcissa looks at issues with a musical comedy approach wrapped around mythology.

In Greek mythology, Narcissus is a hunter known for his beauty and pride, disdaining those who loved him. The term narcissism is a fixation with one’s self and one’s physical appearance. Narcissus  (Narcissa in this show) falls in love with his own reflection and refuses to leave it. He dies staring at his reflection in a pool.

The show sticks to this narrative with some additional characters who clamour for Narcissa’s love and affection.  Narcissa, overplayed by Penny Larkins, is also a seductress who teaches women how to seduce, whilst seducing them herself. There is the Duchess of Dullcote (strongly portrayed by Erica Chestnut), the Baroness of Inverness (the wonderful Kate Hosking), and Narcissa’s servant Marcello (scene stealer Madeline Hudson) who all vie for the seductress’s affections. There are witty puns and one-liners, but the second half of the 60 minute show descends into chaos and an unclear narrative that it never recovers from.

The show itself is overwritten and needs a dramaturg, but it has gems worth exploring. One of these gems is the relationship between Hudson and Hoskins.  Both Hudson, a smart performer and the live-wire Hoskins, carry the show. When they fall in love, sing or play music together, it is beautiful. 

La Mama is known for being a place to experiment in theatre, which is important in the life of any new work. But Burning Deck Theatre need a good rigour to get this piece where it has the potential to go.

April Albert