With an award winning director- Steven Mitchell Wright – at the helm, Away was set to be something special.
Written by Michael Gow this is a story of three families on their Christmas vacation all with various issues. Characters cross over, events take place, truths, lies, tragedies explored amongst a Shakespearean backdrop.
This production is a collaboration with students from Collart- Collingwood, beginning with them covered in blue paint reciting Shakespeare as the audience took their seats.
This leads itself to the first scene in Away, the high school production of A Midsummer’s Night Dream with Tom (Rupert Bevan) as Puck. The Shakespeare does not end there, there is an intertwining with movement, costume and dialogue throughout the show.
There is much to enjoy about this production, yet I feel too much going on. I was confused at times with both the look and action. The play is set in the sixties, an era of smoking, yet in a small, crowded theatre, Gwen’s (Eleanor Howlett ) chain smoking was uncomfortable.
There were many stylised aspects to this show, so using real, lit cigarettes did not seem necessary. There were inconsistencies throughout in the stylised ‘blocking’, costumes , accents with a lack of attention to detail. An example of this, the wigs.
Amongst some beautiful Shakespearean pieces were some ‘very ordinary’ hair pieces causing a distraction.
Performances amongst this experienced well rehearsed ensemble were consistently good. Particular mention to Bevan in his various roles, he has a strong physical presence on stage. Justin Hosking as the nervous dad (Jim) was very ‘moving.’ Eleanor Howlett , demanding as she should be as Gwen. The vocals of Stephen Tall (Roy) a very memorable surprise element toward the end.
This production has a lot to offer amongst a clever set (Greg Carroll), beautiful lighting (Ben Hughes). Expect a feast for the senses plus the brain.
Performance Details: Until July 22
Venue: Theatre Works, 14 Acland St., St Kilda
Bookings: www.theatreworks.org.au

• Review by Elizabeth Semmel
  
  

Pictured: Justin Hosking and Cait Spiker in Away
Photo: Daniel Rabin