Summer of the Aliens

Mark Morgan directed Louis Nowra’s Summer of the Aliens for the Hobart Repertory Theatre Society with a fine cast of energetic actors who understood the play and its characters well.

Louis Nowra’s semi-autobiographical tale of a boy obsessed with aliens is often called a ‘memory play’, which also fits into the ‘coming of age’ category. Summer of the Aliens, more about alienation than aliens, is set during the summer of 1962 in Melbourne.  

Noah Casey is 14 year-old Lewis who lives in a housing commission estate with his mother (Laura Gilkes) grandmother (Pip Tyrell) and sister (Ellen Roe). The youthful gaucheness of young Lewis is balanced by the kindly, almost affectionate observations of the narrator/adult Lewis (Matt Wilson).

Multiple scene changes, a hangover of Aliens in its original form as a radio play, were a bit distracting, although radio news broadcasts with voice over/sound recording by Phil Tyson effectively conveyed 1960s history. Costumes and soundtrack maintained the era.

A gritty story, with powerful themes about relationships, identity and gender, race, depression, escapism and sexual abuse, was offset by laconic Aussie humour, well delivered by the cast. Hilariously funny moments were balanced with some poignant and emotional challenges, a reminder of the struggles of adolescence.

Kate Choraziak played Dulcie, Lewis’ tomboy best friend, who is desperate for love and affection, with shrill enthusiasm and energy. David Abbott soundly portrayed sex-obsessed Brian, Lewis’ other best friend, developing audience sympathy from initial dislike to understanding. Pip Tyrell’s acting experience was reflected well by Gilkes, a mother trying to bring up two children without a husband, and Roe, as bubbly teen Bev. Marcus Johnston as Pisano gave brief but welcome comi/tragedy relief. 

This play evokes feelings, mostly of sympathy, for its characters, but we can loathe sleazy stepdad Stan, by Michael Francis (also playing Uncle Richard), and despise the charming but shiftless father Eric, Jeff Keogh. Aliens is a significant part of Australian theatrical writing and well worth catching up with. Entertaining and powerful!

Merlene Abbott

Photo: John King Smith