Reviews

The Face of Jizo

By Hisashi Inoue, translated by Roger Pulvers.Presented by Omusubi Productions, in association with Red Line Productions. Directed by Shingo Usami and David Lynch. Old Fitz Theatre, Sydney. 28 October – 11 November, 2023

Jizo is the guardian deity of Japanese children. His stone heads are everywhere in Japan and are said to have powers of protection that predate Buddist beliefs... though not much protection in Hiroshima on 6th August 1945 when a single atomic bomb extinguished the lives of 140,000 people.

In The Club

By Patricia Cornelius. Bullet Heart Club. Theatre Works, St Kilda. 26 October - 11 November, 2023

Cutting-edge new play In The Club by Australian playwright Patricia Cornelius delivers a controversial and topical expose of women demanding their right to be heard against male football stars.    

Andrey Gugnin Recital

Presented by Piano +. Melbourne Recital Centre, Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, 31 Sturt St, Southbank. Wednesday 1 November 2023

Piano + is a new company carrying on the work of almost 50 years by the Sydney Piano Competition to promote a love of piano-playing through a range of education and performance activities. The Andrey Gugnin Recital is among the exciting activities they are organising to achieve their aims. Gugnin was the winner of the prestigious 2016 Sydney International Piano competition and this is just one of his many accolades. Gugnin’s Australian performances feature a wide range of composers and allow him to showcase his incredible mastery and versatility.

4.48 Psychosis

By Sarah Kane. Presented by Famous Last Words. Goodwood Theatre and Studios. 31 October to 10 November 2023

How do you describe your mental health to someone who can’t see it, doesn’t feel it, may not have ever been there? How do you talk to your doctor or your lover about how you don’t want to live any longer?

The Dictionary of Lost Words

Adapted by Verity Laughton, from the novel by Pip Williams. Sydney Theatre Company / State Theatre Company SA. Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House. October 26 – December 16, 2023

This finely detailed staging of a late Victorian woman’s coming of age features big talent from Adelaide – it’s based on Pip Williams’ hit debut novel, adapted by Verity Laughton and created by the State Theatre of SA with most actors experienced there but new to the Sydney Theatre Company.  

You Don’t Have to be Jewish

By Bob Booker. Bondi Theatre Company. Director Ruth Fingret. Bondi Pavilion Theatre. 25 Oct – 5 Nov, 2023 and Emanuel Synagogue 15 – 19 Nov.

The 1960s was a special time for comedy albums. Comedians like Wayne and Shuster, Stan Freberg, Bob Newhart, Victor Borge, The Goons, Peter Cooke and Dudley Moore, The Goodies and Monty Python made LPs that entertained families around the world. Some of us remember them well, even still quote them!

What Was That?

By Alaine Beek. Presented by Essence Theatre Productions. Werribee Park Mansion, Gate 2, K Rd, Werribee South. Running weekly on Friday and Saturday since 2003.

Werribee Park Mansion is a grand and opulent example of the Renaissance Revival style and was built in 1877 by the Churnside family who were originally from Scotland. Today it operates as a museum and the majesty of this place is vividly brought to life in a delightful immersive theatre experience.

Trail to Oregon

By Jeff Blim, Nick Lang, Matt Lang and Brian Holden. Art In Motion Theatre Company. Directed by Micheal Carroll. City of Gosnells, Don Russell Performing Arts Centre, Thornlie, WA. Oct 24 - Nov 4, 2023

Trail to Oregon is a Starkids production, one of a series of parody musicals, with somewhat of a cult following. This production features a cast that are mostly veterans of several Starkids shows, and the Opening Night audience included many established fans.

Based on the video game The Oregon Trail, Trail to Oregon has multiple opportunities for audience involvement including selecting the characters’ name and voting for which character is to shuffle off their mortal coil, meaning that the cast need to learn multiple endings to the show.

Message in a Bottle

Sadler’s Wells and Universal Music UK, Directed and choreographed by Kate Prince. Based on the songs of Sting. Joan Sutherland Theatre Sydney Opera House. 25-29 November, 2023.

Message in a Bottle comes from the UK to make its Australian premiere as part of the 50th birthday celebrations of the Opera House. Based on the music of iconic singer-songwriter Sting and choreographed by Kate Prince, it is an incredibly moving piece of dance theatre that pays homage to the millions of displaced people in the world today, refugees from harsh rule and devasting war seeking shelter and solace and a new, safe place to re-start their lives.

Manifesto

Choreography: Stephanie Lake. Composition: Robin Fox. Stephanie Lake Company. Arts Centre Melbourne. 100 St Kilda Road, Melbourne. 25 October - 5 November, 2023

From the first shocking punch of sound and movement there is not a moment that is not filled with a triumph of coordinated expression. The nine drummers use the diverse possibilities of their kits to create everything from thunder to a fairy tinkle of sound. Each drummer has a moment to highlight their skills and the ensemble is fully coordinated so at times it is as if a single drum is creating a theatre full of sound.

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