After years of online shows and activities, the Melbourne University Chinese Theatre Group (MUCTG) returned with a highly anticipated bang. How high? How about the “selling out closing night in five hours” kind of high. Continue reading MUCTG’s The Hostage: Sometimes Getting Robbed is Good for You
Hamlet has a reputation for being modern and timeless, but it is still a piece of sixteenth-century theatre. How can we make the language accessible? How can we alter themes which feel defunct—religiosity, revenge, the king as God, natural order—feel relevant? And, of course, how can we resolve problematic representations of femininity and masculinity? Continue reading HAML3T by Melbourne University Shakespeare Company
There was something deeply interesting about Four Letter Word Theatre’s Two Nights Out of Bed, and in spite of its flaws, I found myself deeply compelled. Continue reading Two Nights Out of Bed: An Ambitious Production
ICAC’s Firebringer did an outstanding job portraying the feminist, religious and climate-related political themes of the show, creating a rib-tickling fictional history lesson with nuanced characters that connected splendidly with the audience. Continue reading ICAC’s Firebringer Celebrates Female Ingenuity Through a Hilarious Musical Escapade
The individual effort put into each element of the project—be it costume, choreography, set or lighting—was obvious in the final polish of the production. Even for those not particularly keen on musicals, there was something for everyone in this production of Footloose. Continue reading How to do Footloose Right: An UMMTA Production
Endgame was a difficult show to watch and a bold choice to perform. The conviction of the performers and the success of the minimalist creative choices, however, brought it to life—in all its absurdity. Continue reading Endgame: Making the Most of Beckett’s Absurdity
It is evident that even though Nora is in ostensibly different circumstances to her original era—and women’s rights have advanced significantly—very little has changed internally for her. The home, marriage and family proves to be just as suffocating, making her reclamation of freedom just as radical. Continue reading Nora: A Doll’s House Triumphs at Union House
The Witches of Macbeth is a true example of a well-known play where just a slight shift in perspective brings a completely new story to life. It embodies what a great retelling should be; thought-provoking and respectful of the original work, yet able to stand proudly on its own two feet. Continue reading The Witches of Macbeth: A Comedic Behind-the-Scenes
Mudcrabs’ Inspector Sydney Catchlove was a show with potential that was unfortunately let down by its hit-or-miss comedy, production design and directorial choices. Weird is good. Silly is good. Nonsense is fantastic—so long as the jokes carry themselves. Unfortunately, this was not the case for Inspector Sydney Catchlove. Continue reading Inspector Sydney Catchlove: Mudcrabs Deliver Mediocre Sketch Comedy for MICF
Revenge Plot is pure comedy: it is fun, and it feels like an authentic reflection of friendship, of rivalry and heartbreak, and most importantly, petty drama—all things sorely missed. Continue reading Revenge Plot: A Love Letter to Petty Drama
The Dialog 