Written By Lally Katz
Directed by Kate
Blackhurst
Canberra REP at
Theatre 3 to 19 August
Reviewed by Len Power
4 August 2017
Lally Katz’ play, ‘Neighbourhood Watch’, premiered in Melbourne
in 2011 and has been quite a success in various productions around the
country. There’s talk of a future film
version, too.
The play focusses on the interaction between several
inhabitants of a typical suburban Canberra street between 2007 and 2008. An elderly Hungarian woman, Ana, develops a
friendship with a troubled younger woman, Catherine. Ana’s forceful personality and stories from
her past life create a reality check for Catherine that she desperately needs.
With 29 scenes and a multitude of locations, the play is a
challenge to stage. Kate Blackhurst’s
production doesn’t solve the problem with many of the scenes being played in
small areas on either of the stage, leaving the centre stage under-utilized. There are difficulties hearing the actors
from these areas, too, especially as some of them play with a strong Hungarian
accent.
Nevertheless, there are fine performances from the
cast. Liz de Totth is well-cast as the elderly
Ana and is quite believable as this dominant personality who is just as needy
as everyone else. Her interruptions at
the Neighbourhood Watch meeting were nicely played and very funny.
Alex McPherson gives arguably her best performance ever as
the troubled Catherine. The actress
displays a strong depth in her playing of this complex role. Craig Battams as Ken, Catherine’s housemate,
brings a nice realism to his role and there are good performances in multiple
roles by a strong ensemble cast.
Lally Katz’ play rambles a bit and some of the flashbacks
seem superfluous. The pace of this
production felt a bit slow especially in the second half and scene changes need
to be tightened up. In a couple of
instances, music playing while the actors were speaking was a distraction.
Overall, it’s a play that tells an entertaining story with
interesting characters, a few surprises and a satisfying resolution at the end.
Len Power’s reviews
are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7’s ‘Artcetera’ program (9.00am Saturdays)
and on other selected Artsound programs.
