Tilt 2022 (Program One)

Tilt is a series of short plays presented by the Graduating Class of the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts’ Bachelor of Performing Arts. Featuring twelve short performance pieces, played over two programs, audiences see six pieces on one night. The first week features six highly varied, well produced plays.

The HMS Wilson-Smith is a compelling little absurdist play in the manner of Beckett or Ionesco, with a swish little twist in the tale. A “very nice” British family float around in the middle of the ocean, maintaining every vestige of civility, especially the tradition of a lovely cup of tea, despite the fact that things are looking particularly dim, and dad is a mop. Written and designed by Abi Russell, this clever script is directed with precision by Mazey O’Reilly. Mother Judith is played with conviction by Isabella Mclean, teenage daughter Jessica is played with lovely ring of truth detail by Saskia Glass, with younger daughter Josie played with agility and charm by Ashley Elliot. Abi Russell and Marli Haddeill float by in some short but clever cameos. A great way to start the season and a gorgeous set.

Extraterrestrial Sex God is a monologue performance that holds the audience beautifully as we meet an intrepid intergalactic explorer who has taken to space after a series of bad boyfriends. Written, designed and performed by Isobel Pitt, it is directed by Donita Cruz, who also designed the effective sound design and acted as dramaturg. This show features not only a rocket ship and a gorgeous cosmic costume, but some clever puppets, nicely operated by Mara Kremmidiotis and Sarah Milde. Sexy, sweet and funny.

The final offering before interval explores the stereotypes imposed on Asian performers. RepresentAsian is a clever performance by Jennifer “EFA” Mackenzie, whom as well as being the central character, helped devise, was co-choreographer and wrote the music and lyrics to the songs performed - a great showcase of her talent - as well as carrying an important message. Written by Rachel Adams (who co-directed), the production was directed and co-choreographed by Reese Homes and featured a strong support performance by Mazey O’Reilly. A live musical accompaniment was provided by Angelo Ravina on piano.

In the second half we visit vaudeville with At Least this is Not A Show, which carries the descriptor “When the lights go up, and there is no one home, the show must go on” and is a slickly performed bitter-sweet look at a vaudeville partnership. Lovely use of monochrome, it features retro style animation by Isobel Pitt, and era appropriate live accompaniment by Renee Bottern, with the central characters played with excellent teamwork by Sarah Milde and Saskia Glass.

What Nappies Do We Need is a one man play, written and directed by Isabella Mclean, about a first-time father suffering a breakdown in a supermarket. A show that will resonate with parents of any gender, it is strongly performed by Blair Duthie with beautiful vulnerability.

The final piece, No Autonomy Under Anatomy, is the story of almost every person with a uterus and uses physical theatre, direct address and elements of slam poetry to relate a range of experience of periods, birth control and bodily autonomy which many will recognise. Protest theatre with heart and style, it was directed by Holland Brooks, and performed by co-devisers Abi Russell, Rhi Bryan and Reese Home - with lovely precision and teamwork.

Lighting design for all performances was provided by Joe Paradise Lui, who gave each play a distinct and effective look.

Tilt is always an exciting surprise package, and the first half of Tilt 2022 is no exception, I look forward to the second offering next week.

Kimberley Shaw