What Belongs To You

The World Premiere of What Belongs To You reveals a script with much potential, a fascinating storyline and some strong performances, in a play about a Jewish family in Nazi Germany.

Playwright Richard Maker directs his own work, as is often essential to get new work off the ground. I feel that this show may have benefitted from an outside eye (although indubitably Associate Director Jane Sherwood would have helped), as the struggles of a first-time director are compounded when dealing with new writing. At times the pace was lacking, and editing is required. Some dramaturgy is required to have this script reach its full potential - as it certainly has merit.

The set was well constructed and very of the time, except that the piano (an essential plot point), was very blonde and very modern. Costuming was mostly accurate and properties well chosen, but scene changes were slow and silent and broke momentum.

Characters are well written and allow some of the actors to fly with them. Danni Close was excellent in the central role of Esther Aaronson, a woman whose love and desire to protect her daughters knows no bounds. Although really too young for the role, she was convincing and engaging.

The role of Joseph Aaronson is very challenging and Lachlan Stewart attacked it with vigour. Daughters Leah and Christl were very nicely played, with Taylah Marie making an impressive community theatre debut and Bella Freeman (who shared the role with Lakeesha Motley) shining during her brief time on stage.

Ron Arthurs brought depth and quiet power to Jewish Council Representative Benjamin Kauffman - a pivotal role. Peter Neaves was unnerving as Nazi Official Frederick Muller.

Dan Finn gave credence and depth to a small role as an official, while community theatre debuts were made by Sam Rodwell and Byron Lamont. Carryn McLean made a late second act appearance - a successful last minute replacement in this role.

This beautiful and moving play tells an important story. I would love to see some tweaking of the script and further performances in other community theatres elsewhere in the country.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: James Wilson