Entertainment

Theatre Review: The Double Bass

In the sound proofed room of an inner-city Berlin apartment, the life struggles of a professional double bassist emerge in the new production by Cranking Hog Productions, The Double Bass.

4

Presented by Cranking Hog Productions
Reviewed 10 July 2019

Music is enriching. It is passionate and touches the hearts and souls of each and every person but above all things it is personal. In the sound proofed room of an inner-city Berlin apartment, the life struggles of a professional double bassist emerge in the new production by Cranking Hog Productions, The Double Bass.

Directed by Lisa Harper Campbell, this 1981 written show is a ready and realistic description of the life of many people in the Arts. The protagonist, strongly portrayed by Eddie Morrison (The Best Show, End of the Rainbow, The Golden Phung), engages in a conversation with the audience telling us about himself, his life and the world of music. Shortly after he begins his discourse it is clear this dialogue is not the flippant arrogance of a skilled musician but the quiet crisis of a man struggling with his career. Love is important to the protagonist and it is clear that the love of a woman is just as emotionally demanding as the music that he plays.

Through a lengthy course of “rehydrating himself”, this man, powerful in opinion and skilled in his art, slowly and surely buckles under the reality of the difficulties that comes from having a mediocre position in a respected symphony. Slowly in the course of the conversation he has with the audience, we discover how strong the love/hate relationship he has with his instrument.

Perched defiantly on one side of the stage, the double bass itself is spoken to as if it is a living breathing thing, less of a prop but almost the actor Morrison acts across. Philosophical at times, Morrison’s character is very human in his strong but fragile position, almost battling the instrument that he is forced to share the stage with. The audience is treated to some music and the occasional note from Morrison but his playing does not feature often in the show. Even when plucking a few strings, it seems to be believably bitter and done through gritted teeth.

Gifted with a powerful script Morrison delivers a moving performance easily touching the audience with his easily identifiable situation.

Rating out of 5: 4 stars

Reviewed by Simon Lancione

Venue:  The Bakehouse
Season:  July 9th to the 20th. Tuesday to Saturday
Duration:  75 mins
Tickets:  $28
Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/ 

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