Dark Impro

Whilst this is the inaugural Dark Impro festival, Protea has existed as a loose collective since 2020, driven principally by artistic directors Rowan Harris and Matt Wilson. Protea now runs regular Theatresports, classes and workshops as well producing long form works, working collaboratively with interstate and overseas artists.

Over the nine days of this festival, patrons may choose to attend a variety of workshops run by talented practitioners from Australia and New Zealand. Local actor, musician and radio personality, Ryk Goddard, shares his talents along with highly experienced actors, teachers and story tellers such as Lindsay Drummond, Matia Avaca, Jason Geary, Matt Armstrong, Michael Fletcher, Jim Fishwick and Malcolm Morrison as well as the passionate and skilled Protea team.

Most festivals evenings boast a double bill. Saturday Augusts 30^th opened with Whiplash with Jason Geary (actor) in a relationship of symbiotic playfulness with Jaron Why (drums). With the impetus of audience input, Geary devised four scenes, directing Why as to the type of basic beat required. Why delivered with great skill but careful attention to Geary’s work. Geary is physically adept and mimes with precision. Geary also has great vocal range and facility. The audience is never in doubt as to which character he is depicting. Geary’s sense of timing, for comedic effect or emotional punch, is augmented by the alert and responsive Jason Why. Sympathetic lighting is always extra special when played onto the quarry rock of the rear wall of the theatre. This was a compelling tightrope of a performance that never lacked energy or commitment.

The second item, Bonfire, was apparently shaped by Matia Avaca from a workshop during the preceding afternoon. A dozen folk sat around a fire pit, companionable and friendly, sharing reminiscences partly shaped by audience input. Each performer occasionally stood in a pool of light to elaborate their story at which time the other performers stepped in the portray the action.  This performance occasionally lost its direction but was frequently funny and somehow charming.

Each night of the festival, Protea presents Lighthouse. The premise of this piece is that a lighthouse keeper who anticipates being relieved of his duty, is detained by a newcomer. Each night the first actor leaves the lighthouse, and the next night a new actor takes over. This daisy chain casting means each evening’s iteration of the show will be different. Opening night saw Matia Avaca intrude upon Jason Geary’s tenancy. The induced madness of isolation seems to be compounded with two in the tower. That the actors must move in a circle to ascend and descend never ceased to amuse.

Improvisation is challenging and fun for the performers but a wonderful spectator sport; like high aerial work without a net, the only net being the support of fellow actors. It is an entirely compelling form of live theatre with that shot of extra adrenalin. Protea’s initiative is well worthy of patronage.

Anne Blythe-Cooper

Photo Credits: Jacob Golding, Milla Chaffer and Matt Wilson