Reviews

Stages around the country have been awash with musicals in green costumes about the land of Oz for years (Wicked/The Wizard of Oz) but this black version, except for a live Christmas outing on NBC in 2015, has rarely been seen despite a good score by Charlie Smalls. Bravely, ACPA (Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts) have now redressed the situation mounting an ambitious but enjoyable student production.

The conniving relatives (pictured) of the dying Gianni Schicchi are like many families who have crossed our paths; pleasant on the surface but self-centred underneath and it was on show for all to see.

Doug Gehike’s direction of this popular Puccini one act comic opera was a joyous experience. The vitriolic family members were individually and collectively out for everything they could lay their hands on.

Murdoch Theatre Company’s production of Through the Looking Glass and What Alice Found There was a sweet journey across a chess board with some fabulous characters with appeal to both adults and children.

In the first square we met Alice, played with conviction by Natalia Myslinkska, who anchors this adventure rather nicely. We get our first glimpse at Matthew Moynihan’s chessboard inspired set and Sabrina Wyatt’s effective lighting design.

Brian Thomson’s set and Veronique Bennett’s lighting at the Old Fitz embrace Krapp, providing him with the dim space and light he craves: “The new light above my head is a great improvement. With all this darkness around me I feel less alone.”  

Sixty shabby filing drawers tower like a wall over him. A ladder propped beside allows him access to the uppermost drawers. His battered desk is centred under “the new light”. Its globe dims each time he moves away.