Reviews

Louisa May Alcott’s novel Little Women, about the four March sisters and their Marmee set during America’s Civil War, has been beloved by generations of women and men (mostly women) in print, film and theatre. This is not the first time the sprawling novel had been adapted into a musical but it’s one of the best, and Prima’s production of it is one of the best and most satisfying community theatre productions of the year.

This play examines the extremely disturbed psychological landscapes of four characters who inhabit a psychiatric hospital, and the real demons they face produce dangerous and devious behaviour. These portrayals are vividly rooted in the stereotypical fearful imaginations of what it is like to live with a mental illness. The references to archaic practices such as ECT (electroconvulsive therapy), lobotomy, excessive medication, and evil psychiatric staff (who appear more psychologically damaged than the patients) are all laboriously treated in this piece.

In this play the villainy of Iago is a perplexing phenomenon, and the ease with which the Moorish General falls prey to his own weakness of character is indicative of the insecure masculinity that dominates the story. While the male characters are often the focus of this play, this production goes to great lengths to ensure that the female voices are not only strong but also rebellious. Desdemona (Elizabeth Nabben) retains her sweetness and innocence while also proving she is wilful and resistant to her fate.

The Australian premiere of Welsh playwright James Graham’s delightfully poignant play sits beautifully on the intimate Ensemble stage. First produced in Wales in 2009, the play has been acclaimed in the UK and Broadway. It’s a gentle, touching story about love, fear … and some of the good things about modern technology. In the deft hands of director Nicole Buffoni, this production finds the “all heart and love” the play deserves.