Gorgon

Gorgon is a relatively rare example of a one-hour show that manages to cover rich terrain without feeling abbreviated or short changed; writer Elena Carapetis makes every moment count, and director Nescha Jelk - together with an exceptional team of performers and technicians - has presented us with a play that is full of both laughter and poignancy, while managing to make it all feel true to life.

Our protagonist first appears to us almost as a god of lightning, ripped right out of a comic book. It doesn't take long for the dialogue between the characters of Lee and Maz to focus on toilet jokes - exuberantly delivered! - bringing us down to Earth and into the lives of two seemingly typical teenage males, on the verge of manhood but with youthful hormones ready to create unexpected havoc...The tragedy that transpires will break these characters' world apart.

Gorgon is packed with intelligent observation, as well as engaging humour; Carapetis' writing touches a number of thematic bases that collectively build a vivid picture of adolescent life. Issues such as sibling relations, gender roles, friendship, parents, cultural clashes, mental health, developing value systems...All are skillfully sketched, using language that is colloquially convincing and emotionally immediate.

The text is vitalized by a pair of exemplary performances from Chiara Gabrielli and James Smith. The transformation from male Maz to female twin Lola is breathtaking, such is the credibility that Ms. Gabrielli brings to her pair of portrayals, while James Smith delivers another superb characterisation to add to his recent successes.

The brilliantly resourceful work of set designer Kathryn Sproul merits mention, as does the strikingly effective lighting and video design of Chris Petridis, while musical contributions by Will Spartalis certainly make themselves felt. Stage manager Hollee Gunter has helped ensure that Gorgon is sharply presented for maximum impact; acknowledgment is also due to dramaturg Nicki Bloom.

This play is a prize gift for educators and drama students, but be assured that it is also too good for the general theatre-going public to miss.

Anthony Vawser

Photographer: Shane Reid