The Book of Everything is a sweet and thoughtfully devised play that shows post-war Amsterdam through the eyes of an overly imaginative nine-year-old. With a cast of just twelve and a set seemingly made of cardboard boxes, young Thomas’ world is immersive as soon as you step into the theatre. Erin Nicholson was endearing in the lead role and did an impressive job conveying the … Continue reading The Book of Everything
With UHT’s production of Echo opening next week, Chloe Dallas spoke to director Petra Kalive to discuss the show. The play is inspired by the Greek myth of Echo and Narcissus. Could you explain the story a little? Narcissus was born a gorgeous child. His mother was told that he would grow up to live a long and healthy life as long as he never … Continue reading Echo: Interview with Petra Kalive
In the lead-up to UHT’s Echo, Jeanette Tong sat down with cast member Sara Bolch to discuss her involvement in the production and gain some insight into the show. What is Echo about, and why is it relevant? The first 10 minutes is based on Ted Hughes’ adaptation of ‘Echo and Narcissus’ – the poetry is beautiful – and a dramatised version, which had some … Continue reading Echo: Interview with Sara Bolch
Guided by focused performances, Liam Bellman-Sharpe’s Antony and Cleopatra is an engaging production that seldom slacks in pace as it hurtles towards its tragic conclusion. Genevieve Cassin in particular cuts a powerful Cleopatra, whose remarkable stage presence commands respect. The control she exudes on the stage makes clear that the puppeteer in this game of political intrigue is Cleopatra, and her boundless ambition is absolutely … Continue reading Review: Antony & Cleopatra
In the lead up to the Melbourne University Shakespeare Company’s production of Antony & Cleopatra, Anthony Kuiper sat down with director Liam Bellman-Sharpe to discuss his adaptation of the play. Why Antony & Cleopatra? For a few reasons. It is a lesser known work but a well-known story. Everyone knows these characters and has associations with these characters. I think challenging people’s conceptions of what … Continue reading Public figures in private: MUSC’s Antony & Cleopatra
FLW Theatre’s The Lieutenant of Inishmore is one of those productions that well and truly holds your attention. The combination of Martin McDonagh’s Irish wit and Kevin Turner’s keen direction results in a wonderfully entertaining piece of theatre. The writing is sharp and quick, filled with black comedy and irony, and I found myself consistently waiting for the next line. When it came it always … Continue reading The Lieutenant of Inishmore
Though problems with pace and writing hold it back, MUSLSA’s 2015 charity play Power Trip is fun, light-hearted entertainment for a good cause. Election candidates Sampath Gallage (Jay Jeeva) and Mukesh Tennakoon (Sid Nair) despise each other, and both men will stop at nothing to win the top job on their local council. Our introduction to the campaign comes via Shan (Nuwan Ranasinghe) and Jan … Continue reading Power Trip
We enter to see Estragon perched on a low mound struggling unsuccessfully to remove his boots. There is a single leaf-less tree. The stage is spacious, the set minimal with lighting that changed only at moments of necessity (such as when night fell) This will be the only introduction necessary for all those who have attempted (courageously) to read Samuel Beckett’s play by the same … Continue reading Waiting for Godot
Ubermensch’s production of Michael John LaChiusa’s The Wild Party, directed and choreographed by Emmalee Meisels, fell disappointingly short of being wild, or indeed, a party. The musical follows the trajectory of a party thrown by Queenie and Burrs in their New York apartment for their fellow starlets which quickly descends into a night of debauchery. We learn more about the characters as their personal backstories … Continue reading The Wild Party
Welcome to The Dialog. This blog seeks to chronicle the exploits of student theatre at the University of Melbourne, aiming to stimulate critical engagement both within and about our community. We intend to show what student theatre can achieve, and encourage emerging theatre makers to develop and hone their practice. Here you’ll find reviews, articles, production photos, interviews and more. Continue reading The Dialog
The Dialog 