Seeing the 2017 programs for Dance Massive, Midsumma, Arts House, Malthouse Theatre, The Butterfly Club and Theatreworks (just to name a few), there is something in store for everyone no matter what your interests so get on it!
I know it's going to be another busy year for me and I cannot wait, but back to 2016 and my top ten shows of the year. If I originally reviewed the show then a link to the original review is also provided.
So, without further ado, here is my list:
Picnic At Hanging Rock Photo Credit: Pia Johnson |
Lutton perfectly captures the repressed sexuality of these private schoolgirls and the harsh landscape in which these people attempt to own and control.
The ensemble (Elizabeth Nabben, Amber McMahon, Arielle Gray, Harriet Gordon-Anderson and Nikki Shiels) are flawless in their various roles, constantly switching between characters - covering both genders and a range of ages - in the blink of an eye.
A thoughtful and inspiring set design by Zoë Atkinson - particularly the ominous 'tree' hanging over the rest of the set in the shadows - together with Paul Jackson's lighting design, Ash Gibson Greig's composition and J. David Franzk's sound design made Picnic At Hanging Rock an unforgettable example of creating horror in theatre.
Full subscription to Malthouse Theatre's incredible 2017 season has already been purchased and can't wait to see what's to come.
2. Wit
Jane Montgomery Griffiths. Photo Credit: Lachlan Woods |
I was incredibly hungover the evening I was meant to go see this and contemplated not going, but I am so glad I got myself to it, because what a powerhouse performance by Jane Montgomery Griffiths.
She perfectly captures the tone of the play and the gamut of emotions that Vivian Bearing experiences, as she accepts and succumbs to the cancer ravaging her body.
She perfectly captures the tone of the play and the gamut of emotions that Vivian Bearing experiences, as she accepts and succumbs to the cancer ravaging her body.
The minimal but highly effective set design by Jeminah Ali Reidy denies Vivian (and Griffiths) the opportunity to hide as her every thought and feelings are exposed, and Griffiths never falters in her delivery.
While I was determined to not cry during the show because I knew once I started I would not be able to stop, I re-watched the film adaptation as soon as I got home and there was a sudden release of tears and ugly crying.Moving and powerful theatre doesn't come much better than The Artisan Collective's production of Wit.
Maeve Marsden and Libby Wood. Photo Credit: Patrick Boland |
The pair have a knack for getting audience on-side and the rapport they share on stage is genuine and fun to watch as they share the history of gin in creative and engaging ways.
They variety of songs the cover, re-written to link to important moments in gin consumption, are inventive, daring and full of flair. Marsden’s performance of Martha Wainwright’s “Bloody Mother Fucking Asshole” is possibly the best song I have seen performed in a cabaret and I wish I could hear it again (hint hint ladies).
4. Kinky Boots
Callum Francis with ensemble. Photo credit: Matthew Murphy |
The performances by Toby Francis and Callum Francis (particularly the latter as Lola) are committed and are fortunate enough to sing some great numbers penned by Cyndi Lauper. The choreography is also brilliant, especially the pieces involving Lola and her friends.
While the musical numbers are often loud with lots of sparkles and glitter, there is still a heart to the story for both the characters and while we may have seen these stories before, Kinky Boots find its own unique and extremely fun way of telling it. Will definitely be getting to this one a second time before it closes - especially now that I know the words to the entire soundtrack.
5. Matilda
cast of Matilda |
The child actors are all great to watch on stage and while I have always questioned why a male is required to play Miss Trunchbull, James Millar delivers a horrifyingly beautiful performance of said monster.
Tim Minchin's lyrics are inspiring, particularly "School Song", which has some brilliant choreography and accompanying set design, and "When I Grow Up", which had me on the verge of nostalgic tears.
Now I just need Minchin to create a The Witches musical and I will be a very very happy man.
Lucy Guerin is one of the most talented choreographers whose works I have seen. All her pieces evoke such an emotional and thoughtful response from audiences and The Dark Chorus was by far no exception.
This is an intimate look at the darker thoughts and voices in our heads and how they can consume us with equally haunting and intricate performances by dancers Benjamin Hancock, Stephanie Lake, Jessie Oshodi, Lilian Steiner and Tyrone Robinson.
The tense composition by Robin Fox further supports the tenebrosity of The Dark Chorus
with various sounds and music dropping in and out, creating a strong
feeling of unease and leaving us never quite sure what is going to happen next.
It was a hauntingly hypnotic dance piece and I eagerly look forward to what Guerin comes back with to Dance Massive next year.
It was a hauntingly hypnotic dance piece and I eagerly look forward to what Guerin comes back with to Dance Massive next year.
BOYZ Photo Credit: Chris Curran and Paul Malek |
I saw this show as part of Midsumma in January and I still remember it so clearly. Presented by Transit Dance, Paul Malek's exploration of being gay in your 20s and trying to determine what your place in the world is, is humorous, touching and hopeful.
This physically demanding piece expects much from its
performers who are more than able to rise to the challenge. The
menage-a-trios sequence between Charles Ball, Lachlan Hicks and Jayden Hall is erotically charged and highly detailed in its execution.While the various experiences shared on stage - as the boys transition into manhood - can potentially cause harm and tragedy, they can also be viewed as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.
Malek has created a highly thoughtful piece looking at sexuality, individuality and finding a peace within oneself.
8. Member
The story is inspired by the death of gay man Scott Johnson in 1988, when his body was found at the bottom of a cliff at Manly. Deemed a suicide, there has always been speculation that he was a victim of a gay hate-crime.
In this instance, Ben Noble - in a staggeringly brilliant performance - plays Corey, a typical Aussie bloke who explains to us the moments leading up to where we are now: him sitting inside a hospital room with his son lying unconscious, seemingly fighting for his life.
There are some disturbing moments recalled by Corey, and through Noble's convincing characterisation and delivery of dialogue, it is impossible to not begin visualising what is being described. You see the fear in the eyes of the victims with every insult slurred, you hear the moment when foot connects with rib and you can almost feel the blood splatter from every strike to the face.
It's uncomfortable theatre but extremely necessary theatre. Still hoping that after its sold out season, Member gets a second breath of life in the near future.
I had such a visceral personal response when leaving Rani Pramesti's Sedih//Sunno. Her unique ability to share personal stories of her life but to also have you think about your own is a rare talent.
“Sedih”
is Bahasa Indonesia for ‘sadness’ and “sunno” is ‘to listen’ in Fijian
Hindi, so the show is an invitation to listen to our sadness.
In this collaborative piece with fellow artists, Ria Soemardjo, Kei Murakami and Shivanjani Lal, we are encouraged to open our hearts and our minds as we listen to their childhood stories in this multi-sensory and multi-cultural show. There is no rush or urgency trough any of the show and if anything, it is almost a communal meditation on life, ending with a group of 11 strangers sharing a pot of tea together, thoughtfully contemplating the experience they have just shared.
Sedih//Sunno
can be seen as a rite of passage in accepting sadness as part of our
lives. It is about reflecting on those moments and opening up to
ourselves as to how they have made us who we are, and everyone should be keeping an eye out for future work by Pramesti.
Trilogy Photo Credit: Bryony Jackson |
The work is divided into three parts: part one looks at how women's bodies are presented in the public eye, part two provides a historical context of feminism, and the final part is a call to arms from Green for women to reclaim their bodies and create their own "herstory".
There was nothing more powerful during the performance than having a large number of women - all members of the public from various backgrounds, ages and body types - nude on stage, singing loudly and proudly to William Blake's "Jerusalem", the official song of the suffragette movement.
Green encouraged all women to "start your own fucking movement" and if this show hasn't set those wheels in motion, not quite sure what will.
And just because rules were made to be broken, here are the shows that were pipped at the post:
11. Titanic the Musical - review
12. The Literati
13. The Late Night Sexy Show - review
14. Notorious Strumpet and Dangerous Girl - review
15. Terror Australis - review
If you're still reading, have a look at my top 10 shows of 2015
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