Reviews

It is no use to see and listen to Far Away, trying to make ‘sense’ of it by twisting it into something ‘real’ or naturalistic.  That’s not Caryl Churchill’s way and never has been.  The text, spoken by the actors as if for them what they say is perfectly natural and ‘real’, is allusive, suggestive, metaphorical and, most of all, disturbing.  It may be disturbing much later too, after we have left the theatre, as the words and what happens on stage continue to resonate.

Glitzy, quirky, funny and searingly honest, Miss Peony is a fascinating glimpse into a world most Australians would not be familiar with, but immigrants from all nations can relate to. That is, when someone slips in between the worlds of the old country and the new country.

Lily (played originally by the playwright Michelle Law but at my performance by Stephanie Jack) is an assimilated Asian Australian who is confronted by the deathbed wish of her grandmother to follow a family tradition. 

This is a vibrant and vivacious staging of a classic tale. Peter Evans has given the production a very particular and cohesive mood, and this is consistently and often beautifully sustained throughout the entire performance. The collective talent in this production is impressive and each role is treated with great attention to detail. Shakespeare’s language is made vigorous through energetic performances and an interesting play with pace and intonation. The stage and set design are extremely sleek and accentuate the darkness that lurks behind this incredibly romantic story.

Not content with already having two different shows in production this year, the powerhouse that is Reuben Kaye has added a third before heading off to the Edinburgh Festival and then to conquer Europe with his unparalleled wit.

The new show is called Live and Intimidating, but in truth there is nothing intimidating about Kaye…. he is confronting, yes, but ultimately the choice is yours. (Though one hapless male victim of a mock seduction was told “If you look away, you’re a Homophobe.” )