Tilt (Program 2)

Tilt (Program 2) is the second of two sub-seasons of student written, designed and acted performances from WAAPA’s Third Year Bachelor of Performing Arts Students. An evening of six short plays, which vary in genre and style, its sheer variety means there is something to appeal to everyone.

Program 2 opens with a thoughtful piece called No One Won the War. It is written and performed by James Ford and directed and performed by Blair Duthie. Great teamwork from this devising and acting pair, the short play is an exploration of the futility of man.

With You, With Me is a wordless physical theatre and movement piece that tells the story of a relationship. Beautiful but sad, it was written by James Ford and directed by Alexandra Veleva, with movement direction by Caroline Sengkey. Performed to a live keyboard accompaniment from Renee Bottom. It is performed with lovely teamwork, strong dance skills and beautiful facial expression by performer/devisors Rudi Palmela and Ashley Elliot. Particularly moving, this is a great example of physical storytelling.

A look at the construct of masculinity, Bricks is a clever piece that places the expectations of masculinity against a man made of bricks. Featuring some clever puppetry, it is directed by Marli Haddeill and devised and performed by Leisl Lucerne-Knight, Mazey O’Reilly and Jack Martin.

After interval we are treated to Imelda, an interesting look at perception and self-image for a young Australian/Philippina immigrant. Directed, designed, and devised by Rachel Adams, it features an excellent central performance from writer Donita Cruz, and a powerful performance from Jennifer “Efa” Mackenzie as Imelda Marcos. Presumably at least based on personal experience, this is emotive and clever writing by Donita Cruz, who also produced the clever Audio Visuals and sound design. 

Service With a Smile, by Alexandra Veleva and directed by Jack Martin, is a delightfully dynamic ensemble piece, set in a Northbridge Restaurant. Essentially a series of vignettes that highlight the bizarre world of restaurant work, it will resonate with anyone who has worked in the service industry. Great choreography, clever characterisations, strong acting and fantastic comedy, this team of wait staff work beautifully together to tell some great stories. Brilliant performances from Sarah Milde, Mara Kremmidiotis, Caroline Sengkey, Renee Bottern and Rudi Palmela.

Monkey Machine is a great way to end this series, with an unusual examination of human evolution. Directed by Leisl Lucerne-Knight, it is written by Holland Brooks, and performed by Brooks with Marli Haddeill and Rhi Bryan - it is a highly physical piece set in the future. Different and interesting, it is highly physical and performed with impressive energy.

Tilt is a great glimpse into the future of new work that will be produced in WA and beyond in the years to come - and the indication is that the future is bright. This cohort has strong writers, actors and creators and I look forward to what will emerge from this group.

Kimberley Shaw