You’re The Man

In this biting, aggressive tale about a broken family, two people fall in love and yet just don’t seem to be able to get it right to lead a happy life . You’re The Man is a cutting-edge dramatized experience on domestic violence written by actor/writer Paul Mitchell and directed by Theresa Borg from Monstrous Theatre productions.

You’re The Man is filmic in construct, with short abrupt scenes in flashback catapulting the intensifying drama as the real story unfolds. The set is a two-tier structure that has Liam (Ryland Mitchell) a teenage boy, as centre focus, on the balcony (bedroom) alongside his drum kit and bean bag. His understated performance as a stewed up 16-year-old is reflective of time he spent with his father; theatrically he acts as an emotional barometer and accentuates hyper dramatic moments. Ryland Mitchell provides a stoic and convincing performance as the victim of domestic violence and trauma ridden teenager.

The unravelling story begins after the opening (insinuated) horrific scene, then jumps to the birth of their first child and then the legal aid person helping Mark get time with his kids after separation. The narrative runs back and forth; family counsellor sessions, birth of the second child; his failed fish and tackle business. Mark’s time out fishing alone and later with Liam - is crucial in providing precious bonding time that cements their father and son relationship.

Mark (Justin Bell), an aggressive, edgy working-class man, carries unresolved issues and is a walking time bomb; Phoebe (Emma Choy), an understanding and humble woman, wants the best for him and her family.  Mark can’t keep a job and is too mentally and emotionally unstable to deal with the ongoing pressures of marriage and children.

Bell gives a powerful real to life depiction of a man struggling with his inner demons; his fierce relentless performance provides strong electrifying tension. Choy is strong in her role, as she fights hard to hold her budding family together. The character of Reg (Paul Mitchell), who provides backstory as the voice of father figure for both Mark and Phoebe, is a cleverly devised theatrical trope, that is unsettling and revelatory.

 The sound design (Simon Mason) and lighting design (Finnegan Comte- Harvey) together dispense electrifying effects throughout the show, that signify and reflect on violence and trauma, heightening the experience for the audience.

You’re The Man is a confronting and powerful drama and Borg has cast strong actors that provide tension and conflict. Her direction is impeccable, and the set is exciting (Filipe Filihia). Paul Mitchell has written a wonderful cataclysmic play that provides new and challenging insight on the foreboding theme of domestic violence.

A must-see show.

Flora Georgiou

Photographer: Darren Gill