Nora Creative Development Program
While lockdown restrictions have delayed their production dates, Xanthe and Liv continue to run workshops to assist creatives, performers, and new theatre-goers in expanding their knowledge of Nora, general text analysis, and ways to approach theatre through design practices. Continue reading Nora Creative Development Program
Mudfest: A Socially-Distanced Sample
Although this piece was a comedic exaggeration there were times in which the performers acting became too hyperbolic and unrealistic, to the end of disconnecting and hindering audiences from enjoying certain moments of the performance. However, staying with this piece garners the reward of many a witty one liner, piercing and amplifying the production, and re-submerging its audience into the narrative. Continue reading Mudfest: A Socially-Distanced Sample
Sitzprobe: A Shining Tribute to the University of Melbourne’s Music Theatre Association
Every student should be commended for their incredible work as part of Sitzprobe, from actors to creative teams to the orchestra. It was an incredibly enjoyable night showcasing the bright future of musical theatre in Melbourne. Continue reading Sitzprobe: A Shining Tribute to the University of Melbourne’s Music Theatre Association
Dogfight: ICAC Overshadows Strong Performances with Baffling Politics
Dogfight is an overall enjoyable experience. Admittedly, the cast was talented, with some standout performances. However, it is difficult to remember the musical’s most politically charged moments without becoming bewildered by its implications. Continue reading Dogfight: ICAC Overshadows Strong Performances with Baffling Politics
You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown: a Stunning Return to Live Theatre from the University of Melbourne
The band is outstanding, bolstering the show’s pep, and the vocal performances from the cast are impressive. The childish, nasal tones of their voices are grating by the end, but it is certainly the kind of performance the musical calls for, and the cast delivers. Continue reading You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown: a Stunning Return to Live Theatre from the University of Melbourne
Asynchrony: Monash University Student Theatre Charms with an Immersive Online Production
Asynchrony emphasizes spectacle and plot in equal measure. Particularly striking is the manipulation of the sense of scale, which transforms the experience into an adventure. The set pieces are all impressive, and when things happen in the environment, these changes are perfectly executed. It is unusual to commend a student theatre group for a show being presented so professionally, but MUST has never had a show like this before, and there is little precedent beyond Monash for this kind of theatre. Continue reading Asynchrony: Monash University Student Theatre Charms with an Immersive Online Production
Things I Know to be True: A Knockout of an Australian Family Drama
First performed in 2016, Andrew Bovell’s Things I Know to be True explores love and its damaging effects on a quintessentially suburban family in Adelaide. The Prices aren’t well off, but they aren’t struggling either; Bob and Fran have managed to bring up four children on the salaries of a retired car factory worker and a nurse. Just when the youngest is about to move out and things should be slowing down for them, the complicated lives of their offspring come crashing down. Continue reading Things I Know to be True: A Knockout of an Australian Family Drama
between here and when i tell you – A Collective of Artists Versus the Digital Age
Following an insightful interview with two artists of the University of Melbourne’s Student Union’s Union House Theatre and the Dirty Laundry Collective regarding their recent collection of work – between here and when i tell you (BHAWTY) – I was more than excited to view the outcome of the project. There are eight individual performances from both alumni and student artists at Unimelb, each with their unique style and artistic direction. The ‘web-stage’ is an interactive space where you can explore each work either on its own or in a sequence, with hidden easter eggs throughout. Almost each image can lead you somewhere new, so keep a look out for things to click on so you can make the most of the experience. Continue reading between here and when i tell you – A Collective of Artists Versus the Digital Age
Spa Wars: No Spa, All Soap
Typically I wouldn’t resort to plagiarism to write a review, but “in light of tHeSe UnCeRtAiN tImEs”… I’ve evolved. Watching musicals in theatres is so 2019. Zoomsicals – that is, a musical comedy on Zoom – are where the action’s at. No longer bound by the laws of “respectability” and “integrity”, this year it’s perfectly acceptable to watch live shows with no pants, in a bathtub, or just anywhere but a brick-and-mortar venue. Yes, I’m talking about Medleys 2020 – Spa Wars: A New Soap. Continue reading Spa Wars: No Spa, All Soap
Tales of Ghosts and Stardust in Dave Malloy’s Stunning Ghost Quartet
Watching Ghost Quartet is a bit like watching The Matrix or Black Mirror. For a while you’re not too sure what’s going on, but you’re certain it’s going to be great. As Ghost Quartet unfurls like a web of stories across four generations, the audience is given as many questions as they are answers. Essentially, it’s an exploration of the human preoccupation with ghosts. Are they real? Do we want ghosts to be real? Who haunts us? Continue reading Tales of Ghosts and Stardust in Dave Malloy’s Stunning Ghost Quartet
The Dialog 