Presented by Adapt Enterprises
Reviewed 17 May 2014
Aristophanes is studied by every drama student and known as the Father of Comedy. His works remain frighteningly relevant today, some 2400+ years after they were written. This play is possibly his most well known, taking aim at the stupidity of war. The story centres on a young woman who persuades the women of all the Greek nations to go on a sex strike to force their men into peace. It is bawdy and uses the sexual nature of the characters to exploit the message.
For the most part, Ross Vosvotekas’ production delivered the message well when the cast could be understood. Unfortunately many of the actors, when playing older citizens, became unintelligible in an attempt to age their voice. The latter comedy also relied rather heavily on the appendages that were either worn or added instead of relying on the talent of the actors.
The mix of costumes, although a valiant effort to demonstrate the parallel with modern times, was a little confusing, especially because the older characters wore modern garb for the most part. The scenery was sufficient, as the play is clever enough to not require much in set or props.
Some of the performances were good. Petra Taylor, in particular, was comfortable and funny in both her characters and Michaela Wauchope was strong in her persuasions in the title role, although I would have like her to be a little more sexual in her arguments. Ross Vosvotekas did well to maintain his part as one of the old men, whilst also directing the play.
Other performers who had good stage presence were Olivia Fairweather, Anita Nedosyko, Gia Pyrlis, Sean Watters and Justin J Stone. The musicians, Hannah Yates and Joseph Moore, played well but at some points seemed to be displaced from the rest of the action.
A lot of the best comic action took place at floor level so you need to pick a seat with this in mind when entering the auditorium. On the night that I saw it, suspecting much of the comedy would be visual, I chose to sit in the front row. Unfortunately due to over selling the house, they added two rows of seats at stage level, so I suspect that parts of the action were very funny, but not visible.
Reviewed by Fran Edwards
Venue: Holden Street Theatre, 34 Holden St, Hindmarsh
Season: 15-31 May
Duration: 75 mins
Tickets: $18.00 – $23.00
Bookings: Book through VenueTix online or phone 8225 8888
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