Visiting Mr Green

Playwright and novelist Jeff Baron has many plays to his credit, none more performed worldwide than Galleon’s latest production, Visiting Mr Green. Experienced director Vicky Horwood took on the task of breathing new life into this two-hander. A story told by co-protagonists, takes place in the Upper West Side Manhattan apartment of Mr Green – an elderly Jewish gentleman with a cantankerous nature, who is still mourning the loss of his wife, Yetta. When Mr Green is nearly hit by a car being driven by businessman Ross Gardiner, an unlikely bond develops when as part of Gardiner’s community service, he must spend one night a week with the elderly gentleman.

What starts out as a comical mismatch of personalities slowly develops into an unlikely friendship, with both men experiencing strained relationships with family and loneliness. Mr Green’s icy veneer slowly dissipates when he is told that his regular visitor is also from a Jewish background.

Horwood has cast this production with two veterans of community theatre in South Australia. Andrew Horwood in the role of Mr Green feels like someone we all know - a complex and stubborn gentleman, who is left to ponder his life decisions, however painful. Horwood’s nuanced characterisation is heartbreaking. A frail physicality is delivered with perfection, and nothing breaks your heart more than the pauses that were not overplayed. Equally strong in his portrayal, Andrew Clark takes on the role of Ross Gardiner. Another layered characterisation displaying a longing to live as his authentic self, however persecuted by society. A sensitive portrayal was essential, and Clark delivered in spades. Both characters evoke enough empathy for you to be invested in their personal growth.

Although this play was staged for the first time in 1997, the relevance it still holds in our current political climate is uncanny and saddening. As we still live in a world tormented by religious divide and homophobia, this story leaves us with hope of better days.

This was a well-rounded production, which we have come to expect from Galleon Theatre Group. Set design by Kym Clayton, Vicky Horwood and Vivienne Wray was fabulous, allowing space for the actors, while still capturing that intimacy. Sound design by Warren McKenzie added to poignant moments and kudos to the crew for smooth transitions between scenes.

Nothing is more satisfying than theatre that has the capacity to restore your faith in connection and the human spirit. I highly recommend getting along to the beautiful Domain Theatre for Galleon’s latest offering.

Kerry Cooper