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| Nick Delatovic in "Bomb Collar" |
Written and
performed by
Nick Delatovic.
Production
designed by Adam Thomas and Paul Heslin.
Music
produced by Sam King and Paul Heslin.
Presented by Aspen Island Theatre Company.
The Public
Theatre. Civic Square, Canberra until November 20.
Reviewed by
Bill Stephens
In a week in
which the world has been transfixed by the horrifying events unfolding in
Paris, this absorbing work, written and performed with extraordinary intensity
by Nick Delatovic, in Canberra’s newest performance venue in the very heart of
the National Capital, provides a profoundly unsettling and disturbing
experience.
Set in some
unspecified time in the future when society has apparently devolved into a
constant cycle of revolt and revival, “Bomb Collar” proves alarmingly relevant
as it begins with a voice-over announcement warning the audience to remain calm
in the event of a disturbance, assuring them that they will be safe.
A young man
(Nick Delatovic) takes the stage, dressed in the remnants of a national
costume. Around his neck, connected by electric wires to some unseen control
point, is a device which he explains is a bomb collar likely to detonate should
he say anything to offend his “oppressors”. He holds in his hand another device,
explaining that it contains the last songs known to man, including some
remembered from his grandmother.
Addressing his
audience as if they are soldiers about to go into battle, he informs them that
he is the last surviving singer on earth, and shares some of his songs, occasionally
exhorting the audience to join in. Between songs he regales them with his thoughts
and aspirations, while mourning the death of his 20 year old suicide bomber
wife. Is he a terrorist? Is he delusional? Is he just some innocent singer
caught up in an impossible situation? Audience
members are left with many questions to ponder as they disperse into the balmy
Canberra night.
The second
presentation in an inaugural season of events, and presented with excellent
lighting design and soundscape, “Bomb Collar “proved to be a thought-provoking
experience and a superb demonstration of the potential of this beautifully
designed pop-up theatre, which hopefully will become a regular fixture at
Canberra events.
This review first published in the digital edition of CITY NEWS on 20th November 2015
This review first published in the digital edition of CITY NEWS on 20th November 2015
