Urban Theatre Projects and the Centenary Of CanberraThe Courtyard, Canberra Theatre Centre 17-27 July, 2013
Review by Len Power 17 July 2013
2013 has given us the opportunity to see some unique works
inspired by the Centenary Of Canberra. ‘Catalogue
Of Dreams’ has been specifically devised for the centenary by Urban Theatre
Projects.
According to the program, Urban Theatre Projects, a theatre
company based at the Bankstown Arts Centre, produces theatre works based on a
process of conversation between contemporary theatre practice and diverse
communities. In ‘Catalogue Of Dreams’,
the company has developed a performance that highlights issues surrounding
child homelessness in Canberra.
Co-directors, Rosie Dennis and Alicia Talbot, have produced
a startling and unique look at a confronting urban problem. The performance space in the Courtyard Studio
has been utilized very well and the whole show seems to spring from the clever
production design by Imogen Keen and the imaginative lighting design by Daniel
McCusker.
This is a production about issues rather than character and
story. There is very little spoken
dialogue onstage and long sections of voice over dialogue accompany the onstage
activity, creating a dream-like, almost surreal, atmosphere. The ensemble cast of seven do a fine job
performing the various sequences which appear to represent their individual
memories.
The staging is quite imaginative, using props and sound to
great effect and, surprisingly, the space’s entrance and exit doors. However, the intention behind the two sequences
with music was obscure and some of the voice over dialogue seemed longer than
necessary at times.
This is a production to make you think and its strength is
in the way it is done. Its running time
might be short but there are a lot of good things here to experience and
stretch your imagination.
Originally broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7 ‘Dress Circle’ program
on Sunday 21 July 2013
