dog

The downloaded program gives fair warning. ‘The production of dog explores sensitive content and mature themes around Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, depression, mental ill health, bodily harm, alcohol addiction, suicidal ideation, animal cruelty and grief.’ Add long sections of ‘full front nudity’ and off we go.

Laneikka Denne (Sister) and Jack Patten (Brother) live together in an Australian city. Brother’s got a motorbike that’s seen better days in the backyard shed; Sister’s got a large flip-top freezer on a step-up back porch, all beautifully designed for the KXT’s two-sided audience by Ruby Jenkins. 

But, wait: before anything else, we have to experience Sister’s overpowering problem, their OCD. Gradually affecting them completely, Sister must tear off their clothes, scrunch them up and dump them all behind the freezer. Now naked, they covers themself in Dettol, rubbing it in. They’ve got problems!

Then it’s his turn. When not inflicting bashings on his poor bike, tall and brooding Brother is gulping down bottle after bottle after bottle of beer. His trousers continuously at half-mast, his voice getting lower and lower, and then suddenly loud, Patten presents a character that is deeply troubled. There’s no mention of their parents or any other member of the family, and you can see why. 

This is Patten’s first acting job outside drama school, and he’s very, very good. He grabs all the evidence and runs with it. Tall and good-looking, a bit of a Mel Gibson, he is exactly what this extravagant part requires and, with careful planning, shows evidence of big future work prospects.

Similarly, Laneikka Denne fits the bill in this demanding role, fearlessly striding forward into unplayed areas, playing the second half of the evening with a hand puppet representing the little dog Brother has given her for comfort. The audience on opening night were willing to accept this bundle of cloth as the title dog.

So, no director is named, and the author only has their first name up there in the title, and that with only a non-capital letter: shayne. 

She has written an extravagant feast for two good actors, not something to stay quiet about. To the writer of the best, most fearless new play of the year, I’d say: ‘Come on, let’s be hearing more from you!’

Frank Hatherley

Photographer: Clare Hawley