Performing Arts Reviews:
2008–2022

Sydney Conservatorium of Music Opera School presents: LA CALISTO, Music by Francesco Cavalli, Libretto by Giovanni Faustini, in the Music Workshop, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Philip St Sydney. 20 May, 23 May, 25 May, 27 May. LA CALISTO was first performed in Venice in 1651. It virtually disappeared from the repertoire until the 1970’s when the score was rediscovered and its performance history effectively restarted. Says the Artistic Director and Senior Lecturer in Conducting and Opera Studies, Dr Stephen Mould: LA CALISTO has emerged as a major opera by the standards of any era, a genuine lost masterpiece that rivals…

Photo by Lucy Parakhina Siren Theatre Co in association with Griffin Independent presents, THE HAM FUNERAL, by Patrick White, at the SBW Stables Theatre, Kings Cross. 17 May – 10 June. THE HAM FUNERAL is a first play by Patrick White, written in 1947 in post war, blitzed-out London. Set in 1919 it was inspired by the painting by William Dobell known as ‘The Dead Landlord’ and on a story of Dobell’s experience in one of those great crumbling houses in Pimlico. This play begins with a Young Man in a preamble chat with us the audience: “… Probably quite…

Photo by Prudence Upton Sydney Theatre Company and Allens present, BLACK IS THE NEW WHITE, by Nakkiah Lui. At Wharf 1, Hickson Rd., Walsh Bay. 10 May – 17 June. Nakkiah Lui has written two previous texts THIS HEAVEN and KILL THE MESSENGER, for the Belvoir St Theatre – both ending tragically, doused in bubbling political ‘anger’ – dealing with cultural trauma and death. For this Sydney Theatre Company (STC) commission Ms Lui tells us in her program conversation: This time, I wanted to write something that didn’t come from a place of sorrow or from oppression where the actors would have…

From the 1999 biography: Edward Albee – Singular Journey, by Mel Gussow: (the scene is] the living room of a house on the campus of a small New England college.” Act One: the Fun and Games begin. “Set in darkness. Crash against front door. MARTHA’s laughter heard. Front door opens, lights are switched on. MARTHA enters, followed by GEORGE.” Martha is “a large, boisterous woman, 52, looking somewhat younger. Ample, but not fleshy.” George, “her husband, 46. Thin; hair going gray. Uta Hagen, as Martha, delivered the first words of the play, “Jesus H. Christ,” followed by laughter from the…

Photo by Robert Catto Apocalypse Theatre Company in association with Red Line, present DOUBT. A Parable, by John Patrick Shanley, at the Old Fitz Theatre, Cathedral St, Woolloomooloo. 10 May – 3 June. DOUBT. A Parable, the play by John Patrick Shanley, won the Pulitzer prize and the Tony Award in 2005. All four of the actors were nominated for the Tony, too. The actors, Cherry Jones and Brian F. O’Bryne won. It was made into a film, directed by Mr Shanley, with Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams and Viola Davis – all were nominated for Academy Awards…

Photo by Clare Hawley Mophead Productions in association with bAKEHOUSE Theatre Co presents, BETWEEN THE STREETLIGHT AND THE MOON, by Melita Rowston. 5 – 27 May. BETWEEN THE STREETLIGHT AND THE MOON, is a new Australian play by, Melita Rowston. It was shortlisted for both the STC Patrick White Award and The Silver Gull Award. Zadie (Lucy Miller) is an art academic/curator and PHD candidate, the Phd concerning the Impressionist artist Berthe Morisot (1841-1895) and her possible illicit relationship with her brother-in-law, Edouard Manet, has been six years in the preparation. Her supervisor and supporter, Janet (Suzanne Pereira), under pressure…