The Yellow Wave

Kenneth Mackay’s Victorian and colonial perspectives are viewed with contemporary eyes and portrayed as ridiculous and archaic attitudes that by today’s standards would be interpreted as sexism and racism. Stereotypical images of colourful characters such as invading Mongols, evil Russian spies and heroic Australian soldiers abound in this play. The tongue-in-cheek approach of this production is acutely aware of the historical context of the story and makes this a visible presence through the narrator (Andrea McCannon). The narrator’s Victorian attire and manner produce a lively yet sober style, and she is always fully in control of the narrative and her audience.

The vast kaleidoscope of characters is delivered in rapid-fire snippets and this can be somewhat challenging to follow. However, the performance of the characters is outstanding and often astonishing. Keith Brockett is charming, evil, offensive, coquettish and often all of these almost simultaneously. John Marc Desengano makes a perfect partner and the two deliver an incredible array of caricatures. They borrow techniques from mime, clowning and slapstick humour with impeccable timing and delivery. Their performance is unique in its incorporation of sound effects, suggestion of props, costume and setting. This is where the strength of Miller's rich and evocative text is also most apparent. More inventiveness in terms of staging and lighting would help this extraordinary piece to capture its majesty and grandeur more effectively.

Patricia Di Risio