Reviews

Nicola, a ‘conceptual artist’ (or a ‘post-conceptual artist, actually’ as she puts it) is installed as ‘artist in residence’ at a high rise housing estate.  She isn’t too sure yet as to what her ‘concept’ is, but that doesn’t inhibit her from being witheringly condescending towards a real resident who already has a substantial project in train.  Middle-class Nicola, who may (or may not) have been acclaimed for her ‘Art’ in the cocooned elite art circles she normally inhabits, naturally wants to ‘involve

This is a dazzling production that does not fail in any instance to faithfully reproduce the excitement and suspense of the original Hitchcock film. All the parts are played by four performers whose ability to act as masters of disguise enables them to invoke the vast array of characters and locations that inhabit this filmic masterpiece.

There’s a large and diverse contingent of Australians at the Edinburgh Fringe this year, but it’s hard to imagine anyone pleasing the crowd more than the wonderfully eclectic and super talented combination of Loclan McKenzie-Spencer and Andrew Strano.

Theatre that educates and puts its audience in an empathetic position for the suffering, joy and triumph of another is what makes the performing arts so special. Within 60 minutes, you can leave the theatre with a newfound understanding of an issue, a person, a cultural way of life. When we learn, we grow. What is the matter with Mary Jane? is a beautiful illustration of the power of theatre in changing lives. The audience is given keen insight into the real-life story of Sancia Robinson’s battle with anorexia and bulimia.