Category: English

English

The Days In Between: Life in Limbo

As its title suggests, The Days In Between is a work that exists in the grey values. Morality, sanity and reality are never clear-cut in playwright Sara Laurena’s surreal nightmare, following drifting student Ira’s (Eunice Chuang) experiences with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The unease flows thick and fast right from the start, as a certain ‘happy song’ jars against a stage rife with haze, masked figures … Continue reading The Days In Between: Life in Limbo

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English

Death of a Salman: Energetic and Amusing

A night full of amusement and laughter, MUSLSA’s annual charity play Death of a Salman opened last night to begin its three night run. With little connection to the play its title satirises, the show instead portrays a parody of the classic murder mystery plot, all presented through a light-hearted and comedic lens. The plot follows an eclectic bunch of characters who are invited to … Continue reading Death of a Salman: Energetic and Amusing

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English

Gala: Comedy That Celebrates Comedy

As a part of the Melbourne University Comedy on Campus festival, the Comedy Gala was a fun and entertaining night featuring a number of acts, from student up-and-comers to established comedians. Just the sheer diversity in all the acts was itself the strongest element of the show. The performers displayed a number of different comedic styles. All acts throughout the night were stand-up, with the … Continue reading Gala: Comedy That Celebrates Comedy

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English

Playing It Safe

Twelve Angry’s Bachelorette is a solid production hindered by its own devotion to the text, but nonetheless prompts hearty laughs and reflection on what it means to grow up. The play is about a bunch of deplorable fuck-ups in their late 20s, coming together the night before Becky’s wedding to get wasted and complain about Becky. Sort of. The three leads, Gena (Rebekah Robertson), Katie … Continue reading Playing It Safe

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English

Raffles on Capri

Born from the lyrics of Australian band Benny and the Dukes, Raffles on Capri is sure to delight audiences when fully realised in their six-show extravaganza in November. In all honesty big, traditional show tunes have never captivated my interest, which is why this contemporary musical – albeit still in the works – has pleasantly surprised me so much. Attending audiences to the Raffles on … Continue reading Raffles on Capri

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English

UMMTA Gets Political

In the running history of UMMTA shows, The Hatpin stands alone, quite unique for being both Australian and somewhat contemporary (written in 2008, with revisions as recent as 2011). It is distinctive for its predominantly female lead-cast, and its deliberate focus on the experiences of these women. Written by James Millar and Peter Rutherford, The Hatpin follows the story of Amber Murray, played by Eleanor Davey. Set … Continue reading UMMTA Gets Political

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A Taste That Leaves You Wanting More

From the minute the audience walked into the Guild Theatre, DisColourNation’s ‘The Unbearable Whiteness of Being’ made an impact. Each audience member was stopped and asked if they identified as a person of colour. Those who said yes got a Freddo chocolate; the rest sat down empty handed. It was clever, allowing the audience to experience the marginalisation that was explored throughout the piece. Without … Continue reading A Taste That Leaves You Wanting More

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English

Hats Off

First-time director Jordan Peters has hit the ground running with UMMTA’s The Hatpin, a story surrounding motherhood and friendship in the midst of a terrible tragedy. With a powerful ensemble, succinct direction and the perfect balance of comedy and poignancy, the production exceeded my expectations, and delivered what is surely one of the most impressive productions of the year. The performances in The Hatpin were … Continue reading Hats Off

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