Lobotomised Reviewers

I thoroughly enjoyed a fresh, new black comedy presented by the University Dramatic Society at the Dolphin Theatre, UWA.This is a new work by young(-ish) west australian playwright, Andrew Lippiatt. I have seen a couple of Andrew's shorter works before and my recollection of his command of language and his sense of the theatrical stayed with me long after the memory of those two shows faded. Prefontal Lobotomy extends and improves on these attributes and was given a fine production by UDS.The play is set in Kalgoorlie and traces the experiences of Tod, an English teacher, who arrives in the Goldfields to get away from it all and catch up with his brother, Pete. The play explores a range of issues to do with cultural isolation and the feelings of otherness that living in a remote town may create for the inhabitants. It does this through examining the lives, dreams and expectations of a variety of townsfolk.Director Justin Tomlison shows ample evidence of a keen eye for characterisation. With three (eventually four) archetypal railway workers dominating the action of the play, it may have been all to easy for them to blur into one singular indiscernable individual. But Justin, with a strong cast and a good script, creates three (four) eminently lovable and very distinct characters. Much of the time they read as caricature, lifted from an episode of Comedy Company, but there is an edge of realism that keeps them believable and maintains our sympathy.In the testosterone packed town of the play, the women are every bit as tough as the men. Alison Jensen's tough-as-nails nurse looked very much like she'd leapt from the set of Prisoner onto the stage!There are some wonderfully lyrical, dream-like sequences. One in particular provided a fitting climax for the first act of the play. At times though, i felt a little lost. The attention paid in the writing to the dream sequences allowed the plot to suffer. I didn't entirely understand where the play was headed at interval - i wondered if some of the audience left, thinking it was finished. However, the characterisation, the sharp performances and snappy direction brought me back to my seat for a second act that was as darkly humorous as the first.If you appreciate wry, occasionally coarse, black australian humour this play is a treat. If you are so thin-skinned as to be offended by a liberal sprinkling of expletives, then you'd better stay at home and watch the commercial stations on tv. And finally, if you like a nice pair of breasts, you are in for a real treat throughout the entire second act.Don't let the poster illustration turn you away, the play is a hoot. Catch Prefrontal Lobotomy at the Dolphin Theatre 8pm this Wed to Sat, 5-8 May. Tickets are $10/$8. Enquiries 9449 5538.