God of Carnage

Yasmina Reza’s God of Carnage is somewhat of a modern classic, often studied in schools and universities. Translated from the French, it retains its Parisian setting, and is intended to be a biting satire, as two sets of parents meet to discuss their fighting children, and gradually descend into childishness themselves.

The nicely appointed home of Veronique and Michel Vallon is simply represented with a red velvet lounge suite, coffee table, drinks cabinet and a set of African masks, beautifully lit. It is clearly representative of Veronique’s interest in Art and African culture, but its simplicity allows the acting to shine. Costuming is simple, but well-chosen and intelligent lighting design supports the emotional journey of the play well. The sound operator is kept busy, with innumerable cues, all of which were spot on.

There is a (quite well-known – but I don’t want to spoil it) technical challenge in this show, which is essential to the plot, and it was handled well and nicely executed.

The cast of four work well together and I dare say have a good rapport (although their characters are at loggerheads – in various combinations, throughout the show). Hostess Veronique, who for me, looked and felt very French, was played effectively by Taneeka Grant in what I think may be a Perth debut. She was partnered well by Brian O’Donovan, relaxed and genuine as her husband Michel. They are parents to the unseen Bruno, who has lost two teeth from a stick wielded by young Ferdinand.

Mother of Ferdinand, Annette, is played with quiet depth by Ruhama Rowe, whose husband Alain, a lawyer frequently distracted by his phone, is played with self-assuredness and by Patrick Derrig 

While all four performances are solid and the direction is clear, the midweek show that I saw wasn’t quite reaching the satirical peak that this show needs. Whether this is because the anger was peaking too early, or whether this was due to a smaller audience (it deserves a much larger crowd), I can’t say, but it remains a very watchable and interesting 

Probably not the show to send your friend to who doesn’t like theatre much, this one is more for the connoisseur. God of Carnage should be a must see for serious thespians – and it only reaches community stages every decade or so, so grab your chance while you can.

Kimberley Shaw