The Department

Kalamunda Dramatic Society have chosen to close the year with a play from one of Australia’s best known playwrights, David Williamson. Set in a classroom of a technical college after the students have left for the day, the set tucks nicely into KADS’ cosy venue. 

The set, designed and constructed by Karen and Alistair Woodcock, immediately places us in an engineering classroom, with great attention to detail, and with well-chosen wardrobe, we know that we are in the 1960s. Alex Tickner’s lighting design is efficient and appropriate.

On Opening Night, The Department felt like it was still finding its footing. A couple of scripts were still visible on stage, and noticeably referenced, which made some moments feel a bit tentative. At times the pacing slowed, with repeated beats and longer pauses than comfortable. Some performances didn’t land as naturally as they could, and a few casting choices seemed mismatched in terms of age and type. With a bit more polish, though, this production has potential to shine.

John Pomfret gave us an appropriately underplayed and cynical Gordon. Nate Tonkin did a good job as Hans, despite being obviously a decade or two too young, and lacking a German accent, and Joel Paull was efficient and earnest as John. Gary Cochrane made an outstanding theatrical debut, standing out as Peter, a fully fleshed and believable characterisation.

Being a Williamson, set in a Department of Engineering, it is perhaps unsurprising that we are light on female characters, but Casey Smith is both impressive and likable as Myra, a humanities lecturer who knows how to stand up for herself, while Viviane Testa makes brief appearances as office manager Sue, between Stage Managing the show.

As this show continues its run, I am hopeful that it will develop the quick banter, and pace that it needs. If not, there are some good performances to admire and a blackboard filled with formulae and things to learn.

Kimberley Shaw