Founded in theatre’s historical roots, The Amateurs is Jordan Harrison’s epistle to the redemptive value of performance and culture. Beset by the plague, a touring troupe attempts a performance of the medieval mystery play, Noah’s Flood, hoping to secure themselves sanctuary in the Duke’s castle. The rudimentary and makeshift nature of their performance makes this a dubious but comic exercise. Larking (Dion Mills) prays for better actors, Rona (Olga Makeeva) asks to be made a virgin again, and Brom (Darcy Kent) grapples with his homosexuality.
Meanwhile the simple Gregory (Brian Lipson) draws two of each animal for a backdrop, Hollis (Emily Goddard) grieves for her recently departed brother and a stranger (Khisraw Jones-Shukoor) seeks refuge with the group.
The counterpoint of the medieval with contemporary dialogue could well have been sufficient ‘stuff’ for drama. The stylised direction (Susie Dee) of the period and the versatile performance cart (Dann Barber) highlight the ingenuity and period craft of the day. But Harrison shatters not just the fourth wall but the anonymity of the playwright. He intercedes in the drama – acknowledging that there is an actor in his guise (Brian Lipson) – and makes a case for the role of drama as one of the foundations of our identity, life and culture. In an instant, the audience is compelled into the present day and begin to draw parallels between the pandemic ridden past and the present – even though Harrison references AIDS. We even have an art lesson adding to the layering. In the hands of lesser actors, this could well have been confusing or awkward but the Red Stitch ensemble delight in the period grandiosity while simultaneously being able to revert to direct audience engagement.
This is an astounding production in terms of what Harrison attempts by progressing the art form, in the performances given, in the ensemble interaction and direction to allow for the movement between forms, and in the use of the contained space that is the Red Stitch theatre. The ultimate point being hammered home is that theatre is one of the original pieces of ironmongery from Christ’s cross representing the sacrifice that has made a culture.
Until July 24. Red Stitch Actors Theatre, St Kilda. Bookings: www.redstitch.net

• Review by David McLean