Grimm

There have been many versions and interpretations of the folklore the famous German Grimm Brothers published in the 19th century, having compiled hundreds of stories and edited them in various ways to make them more palatable for the general reader. So many adaptations have surfaced over the years in theatre, film, animation, opera, ballet, you name it, but this version by the illustrious Shake & Stir Theatre Company is quite unlike anything I've ever seen before. Set on a small stage, very 'spooky' in its presentation and entitled the Witches Tit, we are taken on a wacky, zany journey through a potpourri of some of the more famous tales, full of diverse characters, mega costume changes and plenty of gritty scenes somewhat reminiscent of the 'darker' arcades of an amusement-park. It also includes the use of a puppet on strings, one of the company trademarks, which is a delight to watch and an ingenious addition/theatrical device, even providing a pregnant pause to all the frenzied action.

The cast of four prance everywhere around the stage, even up and under, and with such eccentric flamboyancy it is sometimes difficult to imagine what is going on and what will eventuate, though, without giving too much away, this is hinted at in the beginning; also by incorporating subtitles above the stage including references to the German language. Nevertheless, with the characters and script being so over-the-top the audience on opening night were more than amused and bedazzled throughout, no doubt wondering how on earth this spectacle going to pan out.

Most intriguing is the fact there is no script writer, as such, stated, the show having been conceived by a combination of ideas from the Director and Adaptor Daniel Evans, in particular Cast and Adaptor 'Extraordinaire' Nelle Lee (playing the famous 'red-cloaked' character we all know, amongst others - even a lesbian femme-fatale role - all with panache and inherent creativity) along with input from Creative Producers Ross Balbuziente and Nick Skubij, Saffron Beener as Dramaturg and Choreographer Dan Venz. Oh! to have been a fly on the wall to see how they put it all together because the whole concept is somewhat abstract though full of unique creativity, quips, off-side somewhat goofy slants and enough hilarity to tickle both of your funny bones. This is a very clever, witty team re-inventing the past with a touch of contemporary realism and comedy to the extreme.

But, importantly, there is also an underlying theme, with the creators digging deeper (even gravely?) into the evolution of this famous folk-lore, asking questions about its true motives. It's still relevant today with current media attention to the mistreatment of women, for example; also, how appearances do count, the world with its elements of superficiality oft times leading to anger, resentment and violence

The cast also includes Angie Milliken, veteran of Australian theatre and film, in a more contrasting demure but alluring selection of roles, Brendan Maclean, well in character often as the foreboding villain and fueled-up throughout the entire show: a treat to watch with his loony antics and piano/vocal talents.

Additionally, with a capricious and captivating display of non-stop adrenalin in full flood, Aljin Abella delights the audience with his interpretation and stage antics throughout, an actor demonstrating well his diverse and impressive list of credits in theatre, film and television.

This kind of show doesn't work nearly as well without expert Lighting (Trent Suidgeest), Music (Guy Webster) and Design (Josh McIntosh and Paul McCann), to name only a few involved, and every stop has been pulled out to enhance the presentation. Professional in presentation and with its pace and dexterity, the amount of work and creativity is to be commended, particularly as comedy is one of the most difficult genres to mount effectively.

This is undoubtedly a theatre piece designed for a live audience (and Brisbane audiences generally come-to-the-party as was evident on opening night), even lovers of the macabre, and a fun-night out for those who like a good laugh and some edge-of-seat gritty entertainment.

To quote one of their promotional slogans: 'savage and sophisticated', yes, but also intelligent and probing, looking at a modern rewrite of the past with 'Grim(m)' being indeed the word. So, if you want to be 'shaken' and not stirred, laced with a touch of R rating, this is a show for you!

Brian Adamson

Photographer: Joel Deveraux.