Written by Dan
Giovannoni
Directed by Bridget
Balodis
Red Stitch Actors’
Theatre & Critical Stages production
The Q Theatre,
Queanbeyan to 22 September
Reviewed by Len Power
19 September 2018
‘Jurassica’ by Melbourne writer, Dan Giovannoni, won a 2015
Green Room Award for Best Australian New Work.
A play about three generations of an Italian-Australian family living in
Melbourne, it presents snap shots of significant moments from the past woven together
with a medical crisis in the present. A play
about the migrant experience, communication and growing old, it presents issues
we can all identify with from our own family experiences.
Ralph and Sara migrated from Tuscany in the 1950s to suburban
Moorabbin. Their son, Ichlis, never really forgave them for his misunderstood
name and grandson Luca is struggling to talk with his father as well as his grandfather. When Ralph is rushed to hospital, his
grandson learns at last how to connect with him.
Finely directed by Bridget Balodis, the play works very well
and is quite believable and moving. She
obtains strong in-depth performances from her cast of six and the shows moves
at a good pace. There is a lot of
Italian language spoken by some of the characters and, even though we may not
understand everything, the direction ensures that we can follow the intent
behind the words.
Joe Petruzzi as the Italian father, Ralph, is a strong
presence with a great sensitivity and love for his family under the tough
exterior. As his wife, Caroline Lee
gives a lovely performance – a warm and sexy woman as well as a caring wife and
mother.
Jordan Fraser-Trumble is very real as the conflicted son at
odds with his heritage and especially his father. His Australian wife, Penny, is nicely played
by Devon Lang Wilton with warmth and a winning humour.
Edward Orton gives a highly believable performance as the teenage
grandson, Luca, having difficulties communicating with his father and grandfather. Olga Makeeva as Kaja, the hospital interpreter
from Belgrade, displays great comic timing and presents a confident,
well-rounded characterisation.
The clever set design by Romanie Harper works very
well. At first glance it’s hard to see
how it could be right for the play but its cleverness is revealed bit by bit as
the play progresses. The lighting design
by Amelia Lever-Davidson also works very well, complementing the set and adding
to the atmosphere of the play.
This is an appealing and moving play which is very well written,
directed and performed. I’m not surprised
to hear that it has won awards – it deserves them.
Len Power’s reviews
are also broadcast in his ‘On Stage’ performing arts radio program on Mondays
and Wednesdays from 3.30pm on Artsound FM 92.7.
