Rhymes with Silence

Artists Speak Out Against Domestic Violence

This show is comprised of thirteen short plays on the subject of domestic violence by men against women. There are just six performances over four days and the venue is small, which makes this show difficult to access by a larger audience. This is a shame, as these are important issues to address in a clear and intelligent manner.

The show is staged in a basic 'black box' style venue at 107 Projects in Redfern. This was the first time I'd been there and it was good and worked well for this multi-voice style of production.

As happens with multiple short script formats with many cast members, directors and writers the quality was highly variable. Several pieces were excellent, several good and some a little weak. Most plays had different casts and stage furniture, which made the progression of the show somewhat laboured. Simplifying this would have accelerated the pace of what was a very long show.

The most outstanding play, Mandy the Mediator by Vee Malnar (directed by Tom Richards) played with the delicate theme of the show by presenting a violent and profane comedy. Coming at around mid-point in the show this was a delicious respite. Ros Richards as the forbearing Mandy was the highlight of the show.

I Saw Red by Natalie Banach, directed by and featuring the brilliant Garreth Cruikshank together with the amazing Ali Aitken, moved fluidly and delivered its moral subtly yet powerfully.

Artistic Director Joy Roberts’ play Regret was also a standout, especially the vibrant performances of James Belfrage and Katherine Richardson.

Another gem was Jane Cafarella's play in verse, She Drinks, exquisitely delivered by Liz Hovey.

A number of plays covered the same ground, which became repetitious. It was a shame that the show didn’t take a broader approach to interpersonal violence and embrace violence in gay relationships, violence by women against their partners and children, as well as non-domestic violence, such as violence against women in the workplace.

Cut by half this would be an excellent show to tour high schools around Australia because this is a social issue that needs to be addressed early in personal development.

Stephen Carnell

Photographer: Wayne Mitchell