Written and directed
by David Atfield
The Street Theatre to
17 November
Reviewed by Len Power
10 November 2018
David Atfield’s new play zeroes in on the impact of
deception and ambition on a group of fictitious characters involved at a high
level in Australian politics. The
rivalry between two very different politicians, both with their eye on the top
job of Prime Minister, is complicated by their interaction with a handsome and
gay young political staff member.
While the sexual orientation of the characters is important
to the plot, the play is saying that the compromises that we all make for
acceptance, power, ambition, money and love rob us of the chance for true
happiness.
David Atfield has written a play with sharply etched and
recognizable characters and his actors play their roles with skill and
depth. At the centre of the play, Craig
Morrow, young, gay and blindly in love, is well-played by Ethan Gibson. That his character retains our sympathy after
being actively involved in a despicable act of deception, is a credit to the
actor’s very human performance.
 |
| Craig Alexander and Ethan Gibson |
Craig Alexander pulls out all the stops in his fine portrayal
of a thoroughly dislikeable, super-confident and hypocritical politician
dripping with ambition. Michael Sparks
gives a nicely contrasting performance as Michael Connor, an older, gentler
politician who becomes an easy target for Jasper’s vicious plans.
 |
| Fiona Victoria Hopkins and Tracy Bourne |
As Michael’s wife, Caroline, Tracy Bourne gives a carefully
restrained performance of a religious woman ill-at-ease about sexual matters
and, as Jasper’s formidable and worldly wife, Jacinta, Fiona Victoria Hopkins
is very convincing.
Imogen Keen’s set design is simple and effective and the
television constantly visible behind the curtain was a nice touch, keeping us
aware that television news can be a constant threat to people in the public
eye.
If would have been more realistic if a way could have been
found for the character of Caroline Connor to show her personal conflicts about
sex and religion without stating them directly to other characters and the play
came dangerously close to melodrama towards the end with the emotional Michael
Connor speeches.
This is a very entertaining play with good characters and
nice touches of humour with a strong message that applies to everyone regardless
of their sexual orientation.
Photos by Shelly Higgs
This review was first
published in the Canberra City News digital edition of 12 November 2018.
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.