Written by Katherine
Lyall-Watson
Directed by Caroline
Dunphy
An Ellen Belloo and
Critical Stages Production
Q Theatre, Queanbeyan
to May 28
Review by Len Power
25 May 2016
‘Do you ever regret the choices you made?’ asks one
character towards the end of ‘Motherland’.
Never mind that those choices were made against a backdrop of political
turmoil, war and corruption in Russia and Australia, the choices were made out
of love for others.
Katherine Lyall-Watson’s play focusses on the relationships
between several people over a long period of the twentieth century. How these people interact with each other
becomes more and more absorbing as the play progresses and you feel
surprisingly moved by their stories by the end of the play.
A cast of five play several characters which is a little confusing
at first as there are no costume changes when those playing multiple roles change
suddenly to their other characters.
Peter Cossar and Daniel Murphy are particularly impressive switching
between their two major roles and producing very believable
characterizations. The women played by Barbara
Lowing, Rebecca Riggs and Kerith Atkinson give strong, performances of great emotional
depth.
Director, Caroline Dunphy, has produced a first class production
that takes risks in its unusual presentation but works very well. On a simple but eye-catching set of an abstract
wall of books, designed by Penny Challen, the director keeps the actors onstage
throughout the show so we never forget that their destinies are tightly bound
together. The moody and intricate lighting
design by David Walters complements the set and the action as does the sound
design by Dane Alexander.
This is a production where all the elements come together
extremely well. It’s a good play to start
with but the challenging way it’s been produced adds additional interest,
making it a memorable theatrical experience.
It plays at the Q Theatre until Saturday the 28th and it’s
highly recommended.
Len Power’s reviews
can also be heard on Artsound FM 92.7 ‘Artcetera’ program from 9am Saturdays.