Wish

About once a decade, I come across a show that I don't want to review. In the past it has been because I can't find much positive to say, but I am reluctant to review Wish for entirely different reasons…I don't want to talk about this show.

Ostensibly Wish is about Auslan teacher JJ, the hearing son of deaf parents, who is asked to take on a private student, Eliza, the eight year old foster daughter of Clive and Stella, famous animal activists who are students in his Introduction to Auslan class…Except it isn't really about that at all…it is better. Wish has an excellent and surprising plot that is unexpectedly funny, full of wonder and runs a roller coaster of emotions.

Humphrey Bower is the director, writer (it is adapted from the novel by Peter Goldsworthy) and central character in Wish. It is essentially a two-hour monologue, except that the only way you'll know it is two hours, is because your eyes might be dry from not blinking from listening intently. (Yes, I've read that back, and that is exactly what I meant). Humphrey Bower is an outstanding raconteur, with seductive storytelling ability and an ability to switch seamlessly between characters. His performance is absolutely enthralling.

Choreographer Danielle Micich plays Eliza through movement and mime, and is completely mesmerising as this beautiful and unique eight-year-old.

Leon Ewing provides gentle, appropriate and unobtrusive musical accompaniment with guitar and song.

The set is very simple, the lighting well managed and very functional, with the focus being firmly on telling the story.

My favourite Perth Theatre Company production ever, Wish is a fascinating, special and truly captivating piece of theatre. I don't want to talk about it and ruin the discovery for anyone else, but I can't stop thinking about this show.

Kimberley Shaw

Images: Danielle Micich and Humphrey Bower. Photography: Jon Green.