100 Reasons For War

100 Reasons For War
By Tom Holloway. Directed by Cassidy Bodenham. Roxy Lane Theatre, Maylands, WA. Oct 22 - Nov 7, 2021

Originally commissioned to commemorate 100 years since the involvement of Australia in World War 1, rather than a look at war itself (there are no soldiers) 100 Reasons For War, a vignette style play, looks at the little wars played out in lounge rooms, classrooms and cafes, while we hear a long list of wars and conflicts that have occurred since the beginning of “the war to end all wars”.

More often played on a bare stage and in theatre blacks, debut director Cassidy Bodenham takes a different approach, using conventional settings and costumes, and a style more consistent with a “well made play”. While this slows the rapid fire script somewhat, it is an opportunity for greater character development and allows the audience to see individual stories emerging - more clearly than the usual staging for this show.

The ensemble cast work very nicely as a team. Special mention to Zoe Oliver, who stepped into the role usually played by Amalea Lawrence at just three hours notice. While working with a script in her hand, her acting was superb, and the fact that she was playing a school girl, conceivably carrying schoolwork, made it easy to forget that she was a last minute replacement. She worked mostly with Lynden Hughes, who supported her well, and whose last moments in the show, atmospherically lit by Fleur Periera and Simon McKenzie, were a highlight.

Kerri-Anne Mulley delivered a particularly poignant performance as a woman stuck in an emotionally abusive relationship, while Ashvath Singh Kunadi showed a character who struggled with his own behaviour. Hassan Almagutar and Sueanne McCumstie established convincing rapport and conflict as the couple on the couch.

Clare Alason made a welcome return to the stage after a long absence, and Michael Hart brought depth to his role. Completing the cast with earnest, enthusiastic performances were Jahdal Baker, Matthew Pascoe and Tristan Peers.

Kudos to Roxy Lane Theatre for taking a punt on a show outside their usual style and encouraging and supporting a new, young director (and a few new actors). 100 Reasons For War is an interesting look at conflict and the meaning of war, in all its forms.

Kimberley Shaw.

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