Checklist for an Armed Robber, Theatre @ Risk, May 12, 2007

 Checklist for an Armed Robber by Vanessa Bates by Theatre@Risk

 Trades Hall, Carlton,  May 12 to 27, 2007

Reviewer: Kate Herbert on May 12, 2007

Theatre @ Risk’s production of Checklist for an Armed Robber is inspired. Chris Bendall and his cast (Paul Ashcroft, Ryan Gibson, Natalia Novikova, Edwina Wren) interpret with imagination and polish Vanessa Bates’ cunningly wrought documentary-style script.

Bates docu-drama interweaves two stories of violence and invasion taken from actual newspaper articles. One concerns the a Russian journalist who is called to negotiate with Chechen rebels’ during the hostage situation in a theatre in Moscow and the second a young heroin addict who tries to rob a bookstore in Newcastle.

The four actors shift effortlessly between the two stories, playing multiple characters. Bendall seats them in plush, red velvet theatre seats, behind which are tall shelves stacked with books. Within this simple design (Isla Shaw) the two stories bleed together. Whether seated or moving around the chairs, the actors people the stage with a parade of characters, in turn embodying frightened hostages, cynical rebel fighters, foreign journalists, the bookshop owner or customers.

Dramatic and evocative lighting by (Nick Merrilees) and an ominous soundscape (Jethro Woodward) add to the sense of menace and impending doom.

The cast play several roles including various Moscow audience members, and all are three-dimensional and completely believable. In addition, each plays a central character.

Ashcroft captures the vulnerability and panic of the young and disenfranchised armed robber in Newcastle. His Aussie accent is broad and his predicament credible. Gibson, as the grinning and dangerous Rebel Leader, strikes fear into even our own theatre audience. These hostages could be us.

Novikova provides a moving and authentic portrayal of the Russian journalist and Wren’s mature and womanly bookshop owner is sympathetic.

The production is sleek and delicately balanced by director, Bendall who brings clarity and precision to the text. The content of the play subtly investigates the variety of modes in which humans deal with fear and the different manifestations of courage in the face of danger. It also is a study of our willingness to understand the plight of those who take drastic action and how we try to find some manner of communicating with them.

Checklist for an Armed Robber is a thoroughly professional and compelling production on all levels.

By Kate Herbert