Written by Nathan
Maynard
Directed by Isaac
Drandic
A Tasmania Performs
Production
The Playhouse,
Canberra Theatre Centre to 15 September
Reviewed by Len Power
13 September 2018
They always say ‘write what you know about’. In ‘The Season’, writer Nathan Maynard has
produced a love letter to his own people in north-east Tasmania that is both
enlightening and entertaining.
The Duncan family has returned to Big Dog Island in Bass
Strait for the annual mutton-bird harvest. They’re a lively lot with a down-to-earth zest
for living. They possess a wicked sense
of humour from which nothing or no-one is immune and their language is salty
and direct. Despite all of the shenanigans
and point-scoring, they are held together by a deep love for each other.
This year, however, sees some changes happening. Younger family members are asserting
themselves and questioning the way things are done and government regulation of
the harvest is becoming an irritant.
This slice of life play looks at an unfamiliar community of
people who, like all of us, have to face up to the challenges that a changing
world brings. The strong family ties give
them an enviable strength to meet and deal with the changes.
Author, Nathan Maynard, writes excellent characters and has a
good ear for dialogue. It’s very funny
as well as warmly appealing. By the end
of the play you feel that you know these people very well.
 |
| The company of 'The Season' |
The seven performers give fine, believable performances of
great depth. Trevor Jamieson is very
funny in his role as the horny Neil and balances it nicely with his second role
as the nervous Government ranger. Lisa
Maza is a formidable presence as Aunty Marlene and every other performer has
their moment to shine.
 |
| Trevor Jamieson (Neil) and Lisa Maza (Aunty Marlene) |
The sea-side set designed by Richard Roberts creates a great
atmosphere and is complemented by Rachel Burke’s fine lighting design. Ben Grant’s sound design is especially notable.
Director, Isaac Drandic, has given us a fine production with
strong performances from his actors. You
need to be prepared to listen carefully at the beginning as the actors’ rapid
fire delivery and unfamiliar accents take a bit of getting used to. I felt a bit impatient with the show until I realized
it was a study of characters in a community slowly changing with the times. Keep that in mind and you’ll have a good time
with this play.
Photos by James Henry
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.