Gloria

Gloria is a compelling and well-presented production, performed by part of WAAPA’s Third Year Acting cohort, with production and design from WAAPA students from a variety of departments. Highly polished and slick, this is a play with some interesting messages and much to say.

Strong acting performances throughout, with several performers playing multiple roles. Major transformations and strong characterisations mean that sometimes performers are almost unrecognisable in their second roles. Madeline Marie Dona plays the title role of Gloria, a relatively minor character whose troubles, isolation and mental health issues are the catalyst for the major event in this show. Madeline gives a compelling and surprising performance as this seemingly mousy and strange woman, then makes a second act appearance as tiny but terrifying executive bully Nan.

Raj Labade gives very strong performances, tripling very effectively in three significant roles – Australian intern Miles, Kiwi barista Shawn, and media wunderkind Rashaad. Abbey Morgan plays Ani and Sasha with great distinction (I didn’t realise it was the same actress).

Playing the same characters throughout, but also showing interesting trajectories and fascinating character development are Jack Twelvetree as Dean, Chaya Ocampo as Kendra and Darren Kumar as Lorin. Three wonderfully flawed characters with excellent character arcs – played with precision and thought.

Strong supporting performances from Timothy Ogborne as Devin, Angela Lockyer as Jenna and Briana Esmé as Callie.

Bec Simpkins gives us a set design that transforms well between two deliberately alike office spaces and a Starbucks café – with the mid-second act transformation, facilitated mostly by the cast, absolutely superb (kudos to Stage Manager Mia Canzaki). Georgia Beswick provides a strong lighting design – very valuable at some key moments, while Chloe McCormack’s sound design is striking with huge impact. Costumes, designed by Charlotte Meagher give great help to character.

Office spaces and cafes are not locales that are easy to block in the Roundhouse’s (almost-in-the-round) space. Although director Kylie Bracknell (whose work on this play is impressive) has worked hard to keep action very fluid, the nature of this show means there are important moments or considerable periods of dialogue where actors have backs to some of the audience. 

A show that demands that its audience pay attention, Gloria is an excellent showcase of WAAPA’s production, design and acting talent.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Stephen Heath