Reviews

Adapted from the original book of Siobhan McHugh, Minefields & Miniskirts represents the reminiscences and experiences of the Vietnam War of five different women from various walks of life.

Originally produced and directed by Terrence O’Connell in 2004, it gives us a look inside these women – retelling real stories about real people who crossed their paths in Vietnam during the conflict.

Kate Dehnert (another Moosehead and RAW Comedy winner) hurls herself into her show with a manic, frenetic energy that is curiously vulnerable and engaging.  She boogies, she rants, she speaks in different voices.  She doesn’t let up.  Only for scant moments do we see what might be the ‘real’ Kate Dehnert behind the manic screen.  What’s intriguing and what grips your attention for her fifty or so minutes is the contrast and tension between the mode of delivery, the absurdist humour and the dry, bleak satire in the material.

Lyric Opera love a challenge, and the more obscure the choice the better. This was the biggest one yet, but they triumphed magnificently.

Rameau’s Pygmalion is a one act opera in the form of an “acte de ballet”, which has large tracts of ballet, and a very light plot. The potential for boredom was immense, but in this production there was always something happening, and it was always interesting.

Student share houses have been the scene of many plays. They are, after all, many students’ first fling into the world. Negotiating money, sex, alcohol, getting assignments done, making sure there is some food, even if only ramen-noodles and keeping the clothes under control all rate a mention. But the core of this play’s exploration is identity and crafting a future – ‘practicing life’.