The Chairs

Melville Theatre’s The Chairs is a strikingly designed production, performed with expertise by one of Perth’s most avant-garde directors.

This story features elderly people (ostensibly in their 90s, though the physicality of the play belies this) who are awaiting guests to hear the old man’s theory of life. He has invited an orator to deliver a great speech expounding his theories. In this version, thanks to a set design by director Virginia Moore Price, their home is a circus tent, complete with a central revolve, that has a worn and shoddy feel. The costumes (also designed by the director) have a sense of Pierette and Peirot, the tragic French clowns, although this is subverted somewhat - and the play opens with a sequence of magic tricks.

Strong, nuanced and empathetic performances from actors Zane Alexander and Solanje Burns, who have a great sense of teamwork, and work beautifully together, both with wordplay and the physical theatre that ensues. They are supported well by an uncredited Peter Neaves as the orator, present throughout as a raven, a harbinger of doom.

Obviously absurdist theatre is not for everyone, given its bleak outlook and melancholy, although his production does provide some isolated laughs, and allows us to smile in moments.

A must see for those who like surprises in their theatrical experience, admire good design and appreciate strong performances.

Kimberley Shaw