Written by Alma de
Groen
Directed by Tony
Turner
papermoon theatre
The Courtyard,
Canberra Theatre Centre to 18 May
Reviewed by Len Power
15 May 2019
There’s been an interesting resurgence of interest in plays
here in Canberra over the past year or so. High quality stagings of classic and new plays
by Everyman, Pigeonhole and Mockingbird theatre companies, in particular, have
been attracting good numbers of increasingly loyal audiences.
It seems, therefore, a good time for the resurrection of
papermoon theatre, once a presenter of notable theatre work in conjunction with
the now closed Australian National University Drama Department. Three of the original directors, Tony Turner,
Geoffrey Borny and Cate Clelland, have stated an intention to present strong
comedies and dramas with absorbing themes and challenging female roles.
Their first new production, directed by Tony Turner, is the
Australian play ‘Wicked Sisters’ by Alma De Groen. After the death of one of their husbands,
four old friends get together for an evening of wine and memories that quickly
descends into a nightmare of past lies and betrayals.
The play has four very strong roles for women and the cast
of this production all give fine performances. Elaine Noon, as the grieving and bitter wife
of the dead husband, brings a believable depth of feeling to her role. Alice Ferguson gives a brittle, edgy performance
as a woman who may not be all she seems under her respectable outer veneer.
Nikki Lynne Hunter is effective as a woman not coping very
well with ageing. Her false confidence
masking deep insecurities is very well played.
Lainie Hart gives a terrific performance as a highly intelligent educated
woman mysteriously working these days as a cleaner.
Alma De Groen’s play was written in 2001. It feels a bit dated with its familiar formula
of a heavy evening of revelations amongst a group of old friends and some of
the dialogue is theatrical more than realistic.
Nevertheless, it is involving, funny and entertaining.
Tony Turner has directed a high quality production which
flows smoothly and at a good pace. He has
obtained very good performances from his excellent cast.
Len Power’s reviews
are also broadcast on the Artsound FM 92.7 ‘In the Foyer’ program on Mondays
and Wednesdays at 3.30pm.