Latecomers and (de)construct may have been developed separately, but their connections are clear. Both pieces are concerned with ideas of the self and the ways in which we are perceived and constructed by those around us. Whilst the two pieces explore these ideas to different ends, Open Body has created a compelling partnership that leads audiences to question the true impact of their behaviour towards … Continue reading Voicing The Unsaid
We all know the story of Elle Woods, a sorority girl who enrols at Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend Warner. Originated by the writer Amanda Brown in the novel of the same name, Legally Blonde was made famous by its 2001 film adaption, starring Reese Whiterspoon in the lead role. In 2007, the film was brought to the stage by Laurence O’Keefe, … Continue reading Whipped Into Shape
Over twenty years ago, when Stephen Sondheim’s Assassins originally opened Off-Broadway, the composer expected disapproval of its ‘volatile’ subject matter. The musical tells the stories of nine people who attempted – some successfully – to murder Presidents of the United States, and explores what motivated the assassins, using the conceit of a carnival shooting game. Today, it seems people are transfixed more than ever by … Continue reading ‘Assassins’ A Dream
‘Don’t you see,’ Jeremy tells the Apocalypse Bear, ‘it was about who we are now and about our childhoods at the same time.’ This concept of duality is at the heart of Lally Katz’s Apocalypse Bear Trilogy. A narrative that stretches across time and space, forcing audiences to consider matters both dark and mundane – from domestic comedy to sexual violence – Katz’s absurdist play … Continue reading Enjoying the Apocalypse
Homecoming, the Melbourne Uni Law Revue’s 2016 edition, saw the student devised sketch comedy back on the stage where it first started, at the Union House Theatre. Written, devised, and performed by the cast, Homecoming’s sketches didn’t really have anything to do with the idea of a homecoming, apart from the opening rap. I expected the 80s prom theme to be something that all the … Continue reading The Law Reviewed
Four Letter Word’s production Triptych introduces three new works written and directed by students from or affiliated with the University of Melbourne. Cherry Bomb, The Mutineer, and Terrorism vary widely in tone and subject matter, ranging from the politics of student theatre, to colonialism, to terror and surveillance. They combine to present a refreshing and thought-provoking collection of theatre. James O’Donoghue’s Cherry Bomb, directed by … Continue reading Triple Threat
Urinetown is not your usual musical – we were promised this early on. The play takes place in a time where big business controls the one bodily function where when you need to go, you need to go. That’s right – paying for the right to pee. Although Urinetown is not the place you want to be, you definitely want to be in the Union … Continue reading A Daring Piece of Musical Theatre
The Melbourne University Chinese Theatre Group’s production of The Physicists, directed by Shan Huang and Bauhinia Lam, presents a satirical view on the dangers of scientific development. Relying on subtitles in theatre was a new experience for me, and yet the charisma and strength of the cast ensured an entertaining and involving production. On the whole, the production was entertaining, with strong performances and a … Continue reading E=MUCTG²
This review contains spoilers of the show, so I’m going to get the synopsis/value judgement bits out of the way first. Urinetown is set in a dystopian world ravaged by global drought. Due to the water scarcity, the government has outlawed personal toilets, and citizens must pay for public facilities. These bathrooms are controlled by – cue groans – Urine Good Company, a corrupt corporation … Continue reading Putting the Pee in Privilege
The Melbourne University Shakespeare Company’s Henry IV.i was more of an experience than a production. Every aspect of the performance, from its powerful cast to its genius use of set design, allowed the audience to suspend their disbelief and enter a world where notions of honour and loyalty were challenged. For someone who hadn’t previously read the play, and can often struggle keeping up with … Continue reading Shakespeare Revived
The Dialog 