Telemachus by David Lander, La Mama - REVIEW- 20 March 1994

THEATRE

Written and performed by David Lander

At La Mama, Carlton, until April 1994

Reviewer: Kate Herbert around March 20, 1994

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

 

The ancient art of storytelling is not very fashionable in this era of physical and non-narrative theatre. A linear narrative with a single actor's voice is a rare bird indeed in our theatres.

 

Telemachus, the late show at La Mama, is such a theatrical piece. It is written and performed by David Lander who, until Telemachus has concentrated his attention on writing and teaching in recent years after a career in improvisational performance and storytelling.

 

This adaptation of Homer's Odyssey concentrates its attention on Telemachus, son of Odysseus. While his father is away fighting the Trojan War with Menelaus and Agamemnon, Telemachus, from the age of three, lives in abandonment with his mother Penelope who is constantly fending off unwanted suitors.  At twenty-three, the now adult son decides to fight back, attempts to evict the suitors from the family home they have invaded and seek his lost father.

 

This is a coming-of-age story, a rites of passage tale of manhood not unlike that of Parsifal in search of the Holy Grail. This story is particularly pertinent at present, given that our book shops are riddled with new literature on fatherhood and the making of the man.

 

Lander's performance is powerful and intense, accentuating the violence and darkness of the story. On opening night it lacked the dynamic range which could have plumbed the depths of both the tragedy and joy of the myth but was eminently watchable. It is a tale rich in imagery, symbolism and characters.

 

The simplicity of the staging and direction were refreshing with Lander using only a single chair as set although the slightly overstated lighting was intrusive and perhaps unnecessary. The style felt physically restrained, evidently more by nervousness than design. The added looseness and physicality would enrich this fascinating quest for revenge, lust, blood and discovery of manhood.

 

By Kate Herbert 20 March 1994