Reviews

Who knew Tennessee Williams had written a comedy? I confess, I didn’t!

This play is a poetic exploration of the story of Joseph Merrick which is entrenched in its setting: 19th century industrial heartlands of the English midlands. While the text is far removed from the dramatisation in the 1980 film, The Elephant Man (David Lynch), there is a delicate acknowledgement to this cinematic heritage.

The currently homeless Playlovers has taken temporary residence at South Perth’s Old Mill Theatre, with a nicely polished, well directed production of Jon Robin Baitz’s Other Desert Cities.

Director Barry Park’s set design, brought to fruition by Greg Aylmer, convincingly creates the living room of wealthy Palm Springs couple, Lymen and Polly Wyeth. The set was solid, believable and classy, and did not feel crowded on the compact Old Mill stage.

A very strong cast worked well together, creating believable family dynamics.

You don’t know Jimi Bani’s family when you take your seat. But by the time the welcome mat is rolled up at the end of the show, you feel part of it.

That’s not only a testament to the love of family that Jimi Bani shares as the next chief of Wagadagam, Mabuiag Island in the Torres Strait, or his infectious smile and easy audience rapport following 12 years of stage, film and TV acting. It’s in the humble way four generations of his family have come together to share their past and present and hopes for the future through music, dance and storytelling.