The Effect: Pulls You In—Hook, Line, & Sinker

Reviewed by: Zimo Lee The Effect by Lucy Prebble is a story about two volunteers in an antidepressant clinical trial. There, the characters Tristan (Freddie Carew-Reid) and Connie (Hazel Pigrum) form an unexpected attraction to one-another that blossoms into a heart-wrenching romance; are their feelings their own, or simply an Effect of the drugs? Short Straw Theatre Company boasts a performance that keeps the audience on their … Continue reading The Effect: Pulls You In—Hook, Line, & Sinker

Corpus Machina Collective’s “ICARUS”: An Exceptional Debut

Reviewed by: Emma Parfitt ICARUS, an original work by Tulipa Rodriguez-Quin, takes the timeless myth of the same name to new heights. The legend of Icarus is a textbook one of hubris – with Icarus’s wings formed of feathers and beeswax melting when he becomes too arrogant and flies too close to the sun, having lethal consequences. Corpus Machina Collective’s ICARUS follows this story almost … Continue reading Corpus Machina Collective’s “ICARUS”: An Exceptional Debut

Flare’s Feast: A Treat For All The Senses That Leaves You Full and Content.

Reviewed by: Zodie Bolic Feast, Flare Dance Ensemble’s 20th annual production, is a highly polished and entertaining performance that honours the more than two decades of Flare performances that have come before. As Artistic Director’s Jonathan Yeo’s last curtain, Feast is truly a treat for all senses. The performance offers dance from all genres, with smart, short, filmed interludes between each performance that both tie … Continue reading Flare’s Feast: A Treat For All The Senses That Leaves You Full and Content.

Element Theatre Company’s “Supreme Me”: An Unequivocal Success

Reviewed by: Pandaren PENG “Supreme Me” adapted from Dario Fo’s globally acclaimed play “Accidental Death of an Anarchist,” tells the story of a man suffering from “Supreme Me” syndrome. Through his encounters at a police station, he uncovers the dark tactics behind a farmer’s “accidental death” and takes on the role of a senior inspector from the Supreme Procuratorate to review the case. His successful … Continue reading Element Theatre Company’s “Supreme Me”: An Unequivocal Success

The Scarlet Sun: A Show You’d Kill To See

Reviewed by: Jess Elfick The Scarlet Sun had everything you could want in a whodunnit – an intense cast, twisting storyline, and catchy tunes that rattled around my brain for days after. Four Letter Word have once again presented a fun and professional ensemble show that had the audience gasping. Ethan Francis-D’Amour and Madeleine Cheale’s original musical spirals through “The Scarlet Sun”, a 1970s Corsica resort … Continue reading The Scarlet Sun: A Show You’d Kill To See

For Love Nor Money Avenges the Arts

Reviewed by: Emma Parfitt For Love Nor Money, a new play by Angus Cameron, made its world debut at this year’s Melbourne FringeFestival. Touted as a sexy, queer dark comedy, I was expecting the raunchy humour of the show – but more surprising was the raw tragedy that underpinned it. For Love Nor Money follows millennial artists Mel (Clarisse Bonello) and Liam (Alexander Lloyd) as … Continue reading For Love Nor Money Avenges the Arts

“What Would You Wish For?”: MUSC’s Patience

Reviewed by: Molly Lidgerwood After four years, MUSC returns to Shakespearean comedy with their whimsical, enchanting and, “utterly original” production: Patience. Despite the tempting allure of staging tragedy, co-writers and directors Josh Higgins and Alexi O’Keefe delivered 50-minutes of pure entertainment and escape through their heartfelt homage to Shakespeare’s comedy. Their production is a triumph through the combination of its quick wit, ensemble performances, and … Continue reading “What Would You Wish For?”: MUSC’s Patience

Swinging Into the Jazz Age With Trinity College’s ‘The Great Gatsby’

Reviewed by: Dempsey Doyle Baz Luhrmann’s 2013 adaptation of the F. Scott Fitzgerald narrative classic The Great Gatsby is not only an ambitious, aesthetically stunning filmic experience, but an ode to the lavish yet licentious times of the Roaring Twenties. Considered to be both a cinematic and literary masterpiece by many, Trinity College rose to the trials that come with portraying the tale’s melancholic merriment. … Continue reading Swinging Into the Jazz Age With Trinity College’s ‘The Great Gatsby’

A Look Back on Some Mudfest Magic of the Year!

An ambitious showcase of 70 works of student art across 4 venues over 4 days, Mudfest: Transform exemplified the sheer talent the students at the University of Melbourne have to offer. We are taking a look back at some of the original theatre presented by students this semester – A Fleeting Glimpse, and Multiplies You By One. Four Letter Word Presents: A Fleeting Glimpse – … Continue reading A Look Back on Some Mudfest Magic of the Year!

International House: Not What I Ordered – But Exactly What I Needed.

Reviewed by: Zimo Lee Within an intimate theatre experience, International House Theatre Group presents a play that speaks to the ups and downs of everyday university life. With yellow rose door gifts clutched in our hands, the lights dim and fall upon an actor on a soapbox in front of a Chinese noodle restaurant. Not a typical beginning for a love letter, but a memorable … Continue reading International House: Not What I Ordered – But Exactly What I Needed.