Saturday, 25 January 2020

Tarragon - Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes

In the MeToo era, this play brings home the conflict and responsibility facing men of influence. While unable to resist his impulses he rues the potential outcome, disgusted with his actions. Awesome performances.

Wednesday, 22 January 2020

Canstage - Sweat

Small town norms and fear of the unexpected destroys a friendship and a promising future. The tension builds as we await the inevitable but hope for a different ending. Engrossing.

Tuesday, 21 January 2020

TPM - Suitcase/Adrenalin

Two plays by the same director and case, but not related. Both set in Syria, under the threat of war. Listening to these plays in their native language enhanced the realism.

Suitcase was superb and charming, with the ebbs and flows of expectations and uncertainty for the future. 

Adrenaline started off as a celebration and the tension slowly escalated, pushing us inexorably towards realization of a survivor's experience. Awesome performance.

Sunday, 19 January 2020

NSTF - Pearl Harbour's Agit-Pop

In the flavour of a lounge act, Pearl Harbour takes us on a journey of tension and anxiety in the world from climate chaos and insurrections. Efforts to engage the audience were met with resistance but she eventually won us over, with primal screams and a sing-along.

NSTF - Literally Titanium

Interesting portrayal of the battle and balance between mind and body. Ophira is a great story teller and has a wonderful singing voice.

NSTF - 49th Day

The rituals we follow help us to accept and understand out heritage. Passionately told by a daughter coming to terms with her mother's passing, as she is "haunted" by her.

Saturday, 18 January 2020

NSTF - Kitne Saare Laloo Yahan Pey Hain

A powerful performance although we struggled to understand the meaning of this story. The risks facing transwomen, elaborated at the end, did not connect with the story at the beginning.

NSTF - Winter of '88

The play takes shape as the playwright receives feedback from his wife - incorporating her experiences, as well as his own, from the bombardment of Tehran in 1988. Incredible script, presentation and performances by a stellar cast.

NSTF - Tease

Comedic burlesque with a strong and impactful feminist perspective. An entreaty to see women as human beings, not just sexual beings. Fun, sexy and illuminating.

Wednesday, 15 January 2020

Crows Theatre - Julius Ceasar

A timely story of unintended consequences. I find Shakespeare a little hard to follow so the intermittent narration helped to understand the story. Powerful performances by a stellar cast

Sunday, 12 January 2020

NSTF - Consumption Patterns

What do we want, how do we consume, what are our expectations. Excellent stories and outstanding delivery by a stellar cast.

Thursday, 9 January 2020

Nightwood Theatre - The Solitudes

I loved the diversity in stage - so touchingly demonstrating how women are different and how we are alike, across different cultures and geographies. Charming, forceful, tender, jovial - many beautiful moments

Mirvish Extra - Phantom of the Opera

Sitting three rows from the stage I was immersed in the magic and intensity of the show. Unfortunately though I missed the big moment with the falling chandelier as it was behind me. Overall, a great production.

Thursday, 2 January 2020

Mirvish - Anastasia

Amazing costumes, great choreography and a charming story. A very strong performance from Lila Coogan as Anastasia.