Month: April 2016

Reviews, Theatre

REVIEW: The Mars Project | The Skeletal System

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Will O’Mahony‘s Blue Room adaptation of The Mars Project is (please forgive this terrible pun) stellar. Now in the hands of 5 players instead of 17, including O’Mahony himself, it’s found more depth and better clarity this time around the sun. It is a scathing indictment of selfishness, but there’s a secondary discussion of autism that collides tragically with the primary narrative that sits very heavily if you allow it to sink in. The plays first iteration was fantastic; there were all these young actors displaying each of their unique qualities, and the ideas and dialogue were challenging in the best way. … Continue reading REVIEW: The Mars Project | The Skeletal System

Reviews, Theatre

REVIEW: Bambert’s Book of Lost Stories | Barking Gecko Theatre Company

Editor

Every so often, a theatre work meets and exceeds all expectations. Barking Gecko‘s world premiere of Bambert’s Book of Lost Stories not only ticks all the boxes, but it also goes beyond just being a wonderfully produced show. It wends its charming little way into your heart, and takes you on a bittersweet little journey to an enchanting place. Adapted for the stage by Dan Giovannoni and director Luke Kerridge from Bamberts Buch der verschollenen Geschichten by Reinhardt Jung, and brought to life by a dream team of creatives, it’s no exaggeration to say there’s a touch of magic about this production. The titular … Continue reading REVIEW: Bambert’s Book of Lost Stories | Barking Gecko Theatre Company

Interviews, Theatre

INTERVIEW: Joe Lui | SELKIE

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Renegade Productions is back in action at The Blue Room with its latest production SELKIE. Written by mythology enthusiast Finn O’Branagáin and directed by Renegade’s main man Joe Lui, SELKIE is a contemporary look at the Gaelic mythical creature, a seal in water that sheds its skin to become human on land.  We speak with Joe Lui about delving into new creative and directorial territory. “It’s my first time working with dancers. I’ve got Laura Boynes choreographing and two dancers, Kynan Hughes and Yilin Kong, who I’ve worked with in the past in various roles, but I’ve never put dancers … Continue reading INTERVIEW: Joe Lui | SELKIE

Reviews, Theatre

REVIEW: Picnic at Hanging Rock | BSSTC

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Valentine’s Day 1900 wasn’t a good day for a picnic at Hanging Rock. What should have been a nice outing for a bunch of giddy, buttoned-up, kid-gloved schoolgirls turned into a nightmare that lives on in our collective psyche. It’s pure fiction, but that doesn’t matter, we believe it anyway. Joan Lindsay’s story struck a chord that keeps reverberating with audiences forty years on, and though it’s a fascinating mystery, it remains difficult to dramatise. Lindsay spends a long time describing landscapes and gardens, and her account of events remains rather dry and detached, leaving us to read between the … Continue reading REVIEW: Picnic at Hanging Rock | BSSTC

Interviews, Opera

INTERVIEW: Brad Cohen | The Riders

Editor

Perth opera lovers will have noticed a change in WA Opera’s 2016 season under the artistic direction of Brad Cohen. He’s listened to the feedback of patrons, stakeholders and general public who appeared to have finally had their fill of the ususal hits from Verdi/Mozart/Puccini, and he has made a clear shift in content this year. Cohen speaks to us about the sea change, and how WAO’s next production of The Riders, by composer Iain Grandage and librettist Allison Croggon, based on the novel by Tim Winton, fits into his plans. I spoke with Cohen just a couple of days after music rehearsals … Continue reading INTERVIEW: Brad Cohen | The Riders