The evening begins with our host Ian David asking what the word bystander means to us. We sit with it and reflect. From the ensuing discussion, the five performers (Josiah Lulham, Paolo Bartolomei, Danny Diesendorf, Diana Nguyen, and Phoebe Mason) present a series of short, stand-alone dramatisations inspired by their responses. And while the show certainly has its humorous moments, this improv isn’t primarily about laughs - it’s about sharing and building connection and unity.
It’s also not simply about reconstruction, but re-imagining it. Not every fact or recollection is included and creative liberties are taken, yet the emotional truth remains. The ensemble does a wonderful job of transforming one experience into a dance sequence that might have otherwise been challenging to tell in its original setting, achieving something playful yet meaningful in the process.
At times, the enactments feel a little crowded. The presence of five performers doesn’t require all five to be in every scene. Particularly when these personal stories are being re-told, fewer people would give the piece more focus and authenticity.
David is a caring and calming host who immediately puts the room at ease. He has that rare ability to make you want to get up on stage and share your memory. Through gentle, thoughtful questioning, he draws out details that the actors then use to bring those instances to life.
On the night I attended, the ensemble were a tight, well-rehearsed group. Lulham shines with his quick thinking and sensitivity to what each scene needs, enhancing rather than overpowering the moment. Nguyen brings a playful energy and sharp comic timing, while Mason adds a clever mischievous spark, blending effortlessly with the ensemble.
Ernie Gruner provides the live score, switching between several instruments, including a violin - a refreshing and unexpected choice for an improv show. The music adds depth and emotional texture in a way that feels entirely natural.
bystander captures the essence of what Melbourne Playback Theatre has been doing for almost fifty years: turning real stories into shared understanding. There’s honesty, humour and a touch of chaos present with this production, but above all, there’s heart. And right now, that’s exactly what we need.
bystander was performed at the Brunswick Mechanics Institute between 6 - 8 November 2025.
Image credit: Darren Gill
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