Heart is a Wasteland

John Harvey’s play Heart is a Wasteland is a testament to the healing power of falling in love.  It is a delightful romantic comedy grounded in a rich contemporary indigenous context.

Commencing with the best welcome to country ever, flying in from the West, it is a very finely tuned work throughout. This is a confirmation of the high degree of skill of all who have created and worked on it.   It is a co-production with Brown Cabs and made with the support of Footscray Community Arts Centre.

Although an indigenous story, in a unique setting, it is the universal story of finding love.  In this instance through risking all in a half intoxicated state in a fairly ordinary bar – not an uncommon story.  Raye (Ursula Yovich) is an independent Country singer doing a tour through South Australia and Central Australia to Darwin.  She hooks up with Dan, a miner, who is a beautifully fleshed out with a rich and interesting characterization by Aaron Pederson. 

Ms Yovich has a delightful stage presence and sings like an angel.  She brings sense and gusto to some very meaty contemporary, politically sensitive chunks of dialogue.

The whole is staged (Alison Ross) simply on a minimalist set and scenes are changed through the use of projection on a wonderfully textured screen/back wall. Sound (Steve Stelios Adam) is used to great effect.   Ms Yovich sings several poignant songs by Lydia Fairhall.  Guitar accompaniment is most skillfully provided by Anna Lievzeit.

This most enjoyable heart-warming theatre is well worth braving the cold to get to.

Suzanne Sandow

Photographer: Deryk McAlpin.

Credits

Direction – Margaret Harvey

Cast - Aaron Pederson, Ursula Yovich and Anna Liebzeit

Dramaturgy – Mark Pritchard

Production Design – Alison Ross

Lighting Design – Lisa Mibus

AV Design – Desmond Connellan

Musical Direction and Sound Design – Anna Liebzeit

Sound Design - Steve Stelios Adam

Songs by Lydia Fairhall

Stage Manager – Ainsley Kerr