Bite the Hand

Bite the Hand is a fascinating play, presented by The Last Great Hunt to full houses at the Subiaco Arts Centre.

When Alice the dog is given human consciousness, it is an exciting time for her owners Sam and Dale, helping to lift Dale’s long-term depression; but as Alice learns and develops, exceeding the expectations of instructor Wes and surpassing the abilities of his dog Rex, she begins to question her place in the world.

A cosy home and yard is beautifully created by designer Bryan Woltjen, emotively lit by Rhiannon Petersen, with an organic sound design by Pavan Kumar Hari.

Expert characterisations throughout from this tight ensemble cast - sensitively directed by Matt Edgerton with evocative movement direction from Samantha Chester. Arielle Gray is loveable and relatable as central character Alice, very believable despite the unlikely character, and charting an effective and layered journey. Particularly lovely are her scenes with two very different dogs, the enthusiastic and straightforward Rex and the cynical stray Reg, both expertly created by Jeffrey Jay Fowler.

Alicia Osyka and Amy Matthews create a loving and realistic relationship and credibly portray the complexities of living with mental illness, while Michael Abercromby is excellent as the expert Wes.

A very thoughtful script that raises as many questions as it answers, Bite the Hand is a bitter-sweet production that quietly packs a punch.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Christophe Canto.