Unsettled by $5 Theatre Company,-REVIEW-Feb 19, 1994

 

THEATRE

Three plays: No Family, At Dusk, Seeing Violet 

 At Napier Street Theatre Tues-Sat 8.30pm Sun 5.30 till March 6, 1994

Reviewer: Kate Herbert around Feb 19, 1994

This review was published in The Melbourne Times after Feb 20, 1994

 

Good one act plays are rare. Good one act plays written by women in the thirties in Australia are like hens' teeth. $5 Theatre Company has included two such scripts in its 1994 program at Napier Street Theatre.

 

In addition to Miles Franklin's comedy, No Family, and At Dusk, written by Millicent Armstrong, there is a third, Seeing Violet by Pamela Leversha, which was commissioned as a response to the two plays.

 

At Dusk is "bush gothic" capturing a sinister element of the outback when two very different sisters arrive home alone. The writing is clever although the melodramatic direction diminishes its intrinsic suspense. It deals with the timeless women's fears of violation and invasion.  but the whole is effective.

 

No Family combines the wit of Miles Franklin with the quirky, clownish directorial style of Chris Corbett. It is a light and funny piece with some acerbic commentary on the war and morality.

 

The strongest script and highlight of the night is the longer (40 minute) Seeing Violet. The script very satisfyingly echoes elements of the previous two plays in dialogue, images and themes. It is a rhythmic piece which has surprises in plot, character and relationship which keep audience interest. Direction by Melanie Beddy is imaginative and uncluttered.

 

Hugh, a painter and "self-indulgent old goat", draws two consecutive wives into his chosen isolation in the Dandenongs in the 60's. After Violet dies Isabel, the younger second wife, becomes obsessed almost possessed by her. It is a clever weaving of ideas and time frames with some very witty dialogue.

 

The several strong female roles are performed admirably by Catherine McClements, Melanie Beddy and Victoria Eagger, supported by Tom Considine and Glenn Perry. Performances are delightful and ensemble work is excellent. $5's have fulfilled a political agenda to put more female characters on stage and seem happy with the short play format.

 

KATE HERBERT    19.2 94        330 wd