Face to Face, March 1, 2000

by David Williamson

Playbox at Merlin Theatre until March 18, 2000

Reviewer: Kate Herbert

If you have never participated in a "facilitated conflict resolution workshop", David Williamson's new play, Face to Face, may be a challenge and a surprise.

Ten people sit in a circle. One is the "facilitator". He is probably a psychologist. The other nine are all party to a problem. They may be victims or perpetrators. The conflict may be a workplace issue about harassment or pay claims. Or it may be a crime.

Whatever the issue to be resolved, the person on the outside, the convenor, needs to be exceptionally skilful at interpreting behaviour, diverting or channelling emotion and creating pathways of communication between those who are sworn enemies.

In Face to Face, Williamson has combined community conferencing, which is used in dealing with victims  and perpetrators of crime, and workplace conferencing. It is a happy dramatic marriage.

As Jack Manning, Guy Pearce is a cool, still point between nine personalities. He strikes a fine balance between observer and participator. Williamson's script compels Jack to comment on the procedures as well as steer the action. He is almost an onstage director.

Glen (Damien Richardson) is a slow-witted but cheerful young man who loves his job as a scaffolder even though all his workmates hate it. He is any easy target for teasing from his bored mates. However, Glen has a quick temper and, when he discovers he has been ridiculed by his workmates, he lets loose on Richard, (Chris Connelly) his foreman.

His boss (DJ Foster) sacks him. Glen goes berserk and rams Baldoni's Mercedes. Thus begins this juggernaut that could well drop him in prison.

This is a very strong ensemble.  In addition to Pearce's fine work, Richardson manages to be both engaging and maddening as the distressed and confused Glen. Greg Ulfan as the Serbian scaffolder, Luca, shifts imperceptibly from rigid negativity and anger to compassion. As Glen's mum, Gina Gaigalas is sympathetic.

Director, Aubrey Mellor, (OK) has kept the stage action simple and concentrated on emotional action. He places the single scene in a suitably scruffy, large room, designed by Judith Cobb (OK) with stark lighting by Michele Preshaw.

The justice system has warmed to community conferencing during this decade. There is increasing disenchantment in workplace and community. The only way out of the mire of human anguish is talk. Keep talking.

by Kate Herbert