Picnic at Hanging Rock

Picnic at Hanging Rock is an interesting, modern interpretation of the Joan Lindsay novel, presented on a stark stage This co-production of Black Swan State Theatre Company, with Malthouse Theatre, uses five actors, all of whom play multiple roles.

Writer Tom Wright has employed an almost documentary technique as the first part of the action is narrated directly to the audience, in a scene that covers the first three or so chapters of the novel, in what is the longest scene in the play. The action proper, begins after the disappearance of Miranda, Irma, Marion and Mrs McCraw.

The performers are, without exception, excellent. All convincingly play schoolgirls in the opening sequence and at varying times. Recent WAAPA graduate Harriet Gordon-Anderson gives elegance and poise to Mademoiselle and a rough-diamond, larrikin charm to Albert, local actress Arielle Gray portrays the fragile Sara and frightened Edith with vulnerability yet power, Amber McMahon gives gentlemanly charm to Michael, Nikki Shiels is lovely as the tortured Irma and Elizabeth Nabben plays the formidable Mrs Appleyard with great depth.

Zoe Atkinson's angled set is used to great effect, with almost magic stage management under Tia Clark. Paul Jackson's lighting adds to a sense of eeriness, while Ash Gibson Greig's unnerving composition and J. David Franzke's sound design provide a haunting, pan-pipe free, sound track.

The costuming and styling place us possibly in modern day, with present day school uniforms, while seens outside the college are (mostly) in 1900's dress. Director Matthew Lutton's staging is clever, but I am torn about how I feel about the production as a whole. Undeniably watchable, I'm not sure if it reflect's the desire of the Lindsay estate not to reset it in the 21st century.

A beautifully produced new look at Picnic at Hanging Rock that provides much food for thought and which evokes much of the beautiful imagery of the novel.

Kimberley Shaw

Images: Harriet Gordon-Anderson and Amber McMahon, & Nikki Shiels in Picnic at Hanging Rock. Photographer Pia Johnson