Reviews

Zorba The Greek is a great classic novel written by Nikos Kazantzakis, first published in 1946. Set on the island of Crete, it tells the story of Alexis Zorba, a wild feisty man who is there to open a lignite mine. He meets a bookish young man and teaches him to break free and embrace life.

A dead man awaits his death rites to the other world, a one-woman chorus (Donna Dimovski-Kantarovski) conducts a ceremonial ritual to take him to his final resting place.

Adaptations only work in the hands of an exceptional and principled writer. Australian playwright Joanna Murray-Smith is both. Her adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s 1898 play Uncle Vanya is reverent to the style and intention of the famous Russian playwright, and the play’s enduring themes and ageless characters. This is an adaptation that really works.

Hayman Theatre Company presented this 1836 Russian classic, in the form of a very modern adaptation by David Harrower. Chosen by director as an acting challenge for Curtin University student actors, the cast have risen to the challenge of this interesting ensemble play.

While the dialogue sets this play in Russia, Setare Mogharebin’s interesting open framed set, and the costumes designed by Adah Hill and Lizzie Martin, while vaguely “historic” do not place us in a clear time frame. Bold lighting choices by Daisy Heath add interest and emotion.

When old King Lear asks his three daughters, ‘Which of you shall we say doth love us most?’ an audible ripple, a gasp or a groan, runs through the theatre.  ‘Oh-oh,’ we think, ‘here we go.’  There is a feeling of dread as well as anticipation.  How will we be shown them this time?  Because most of us know the consequences and now they are set in train.  We know there will be jealousy, lies, murder, torture, death and madness.  Why does King Lear (Robert Menzies) ask that foolish question?  Vanity?  Or is he