Reviews

Returning after its cancellation in 2020 due to the global pandemic, the OzAsia Festival is a welcome return for those who have missed the arts - across all genres. For two weeks we can immerse ourselves in the works of many talented artists, celebrating our Asian connections.

Prior to the opening, Indigenous trio Ngangki Warra (Women’s Voice) brought the audience to its feet to clap and stomp in recognition of our original owners and heritage. It was a moving start to the evening.

‘I am often of the opinion that love is not such a big deal,’says Emily, without much conviction. She is a Wall Street stockbroker who mixes it up with the boys: cynical, ruthless and manipulative, she lives alone, frightening off her dates when they threaten to get serious. That is, until she meets a nice guy with no money, who sees through her, challenges her, and makes her re-consider her entire way of life.

Death is a funny thing; at least it is in Steve Pirie’s Return to the Dirt. The play follows the journey of Steve and his fiancé Claire who are returning to their hometown of Toowoomba to save money for their wedding. Having lived in Brisbane for some time, the trek back to their roots involves new jobs for both. In Steve’s case, he lands a role in the local funeral home where he meets some quirky characters and learns a lot about himself, life, and death along the way.

Jonathan Biggins is back as Paul Keating in his self-penned showcase of political wit and wisdom: The Gospel According to Paul. And the laughs are very welcome indeed, after sold-out shows in Sydney, and several pesky postponements in Brisbane. Biggins presents his evening with Keating as not so much a dinner speech but rather a private salon with the man himself: yes, there are plenty of laughs, but he gives the character heart and soul as well.