By by Amy Hollow & Steven T. Boltz, inspired by the works of Edgar Allan Poe. Cracked Actors Theatre, Victoria. February 23 to March 6, 2022.
Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) was an American gothic writer. best known for his poems and short stories, particularly his tales of mystery and the macabre. He has inspired generations of creatives to produce material that reflects on his works.
The Australian Ballet with Orchestra Victoria. Melbourne 24th Feb – 9th, 2022. Mar. Sydney 5th - 23rd April. Live Stream 8th March
The Australian Ballet’s co-production (with the Joffrey Ballet) of Anna Karenina has been a long time coming to the Melbourne stage. Originally scheduled as part of the 2020 season, the closures of the pandemic have left this ballet in the wings for two years. At first glance, the epic Russian story of love, lust and loss seems the perfect vehicle with which to launch the season.
Written by Jasmine Lee-Jones. Co-Directed by Zindzi Okenyo and Shari Sebbens. Presented by La Boite Theatre. A Darlinghurst Theatre Company and Green Door Theatre production. Roundhouse Theatre. 24 February – 12 March 2022
Brisbane’s La Boite Theatre has kicked off their 2022 season with the critically acclaimed Seven Methods of Killing Kylie Jenner. It’s no wonder people have been loving this play, and its fabulously funny rapid-fire banter. It’s packed with gallows humour that slayed the opening-night audience. The play delivered so many laugh-out-loud moments at times the crowd’s delight drowned-out the dialogue.
By James Watson. Adelaide Fringe. Bakehouse Theatre. 28 February – 5 March, 2022
‘Even West End’s moved away,’ says Clara, venting her frustration when returning to her home city of Adelaide. Her older sister Sarah has never left (‘weekends in Victor don’t count’), her simmering acceptance of what she is, and has, finally boiling over. For both sisters, this story is about their choices, how they see themselves after they’ve made them, and what to do next.
By Richard Curtis and Ben Elton. Directed by Callon Leam. Rockingham Theatre, The Castle, Attwood Way, Rockingham, WA. Feb 25-Mar 6, 2022
First time director Callon Leam did not choose an easy path for his first production, with the tricky to stage Blackadder Goes Forth. Originally written for TV, it provides some challenges for theatre. To compound this, Covid regulations lead to some cast challenges. Well received by its opening night audience, this is an entertaining and smooth production and a credit to its emerging director.
By Frederick Knott. Mousetrap Theatre, Redcliffe, Qld. Directed by Fay Richards. February 25 to March 13, 2022.
This is often considered a classic stage thriller, where the audience watches a supposedly perfect crime being planned. Is anything perfect? The play was first performed in 1952, then Alfred Hitchcock turned it into a Hollywood film that you can still see on TV. The plot centres around a retired tennis pro, Tony Wendice, who is planning the murder of his socialite wife after learning of an affair she had with a science–fiction novelist. It looks perfect, with his attention to detail, but that evolves as the play progresses.
By Rajiv Joseph. Riverside’s National Theatre of Parramatta. Directed by Bali Padda. Riverside Theatre Parramatta. 24 Feb – 5 March, 2022.
It is 1653 and the Taj Mahal is about to be revealed to the people. Years of speculation have almost immortalised the building, despite the fact that it has been hidden behind by a high wall. Humayun and Babur are two low level guards, stationed outside the wall to ensure secrecy until all is revealed at sunrise. They must not face the wall. They are not supposed to move or to speak. Their swords must be raised at all times. Disobedience will result in terrible punishment, including death by elephant.
Such are the ordeals faced by … the Guards at the Taj.
Excited to see as many Fringe performers as I can fit into the season, I always opt for a ‘favourites’ or ‘best of the Fringe’ show, and this rollicking show did not disappoint. Whilst readers are unlikely to see this same line up together again, there are acts worthy of follow up if their vignette performances are any indication.
Adelaide Fringe. Goodwood Institute. 25 February to 6 March, 2022
‘Some thoughts sustain you; others can kill you,’ says Bert Wilkins, in another life-and-death situation. He faced a Turkish firing squad, survived severe frostbite and a polar bear attack, and then was fearless at the Western Front where he earned the nickname ‘The Mad Photographer’ – from the Germans – all before he was thirty years old.
The man who perpetuated Summer by travelling between hemispheres for a decade is back with a new finale to an old show, documenting his own and very personal journey trying to restore his mental health through a marriage breakdown and a couple of therapists who need therapy.
