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Jigsaw

Tue, 29 May 2001, 12:39 am
Walter Plinge6 posts in thread
Okay, school productions are still theatre, so this counts:

Caught a show called "Jigsaw" by the Year 12 Drama Class at St Norbert College, and Dr M and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The programme told us, "Tonight's theatre experience is unique," and it was. "Jigsaw" did not have a plot, it had a theme. It was a collection of excerpts and monologues dealing with the many aspects of love and hate - and it worked.

52 excerpts in two hours, and the evening just flashed by. Obviously some excerpts were longer than others, but the audience were never bored nor starved of variety. I only got a few of the names, sorry...

Congrats to the guys who wrote the sketch "Pizza" - obviously inspired by (but not copied from) the SBS TV show from a few months ago. Very funny, with some great facial expressions from Stevie Wilson, beset by the amorous advances of the untamed, testosterone-charged Aussie male. Nice tag line, too.

I really liked the Shylock speech. Rightly or wrongly, I enjoy it when he's presented sympathetically. A marvellous controlled monologue also from the guy who performed, "I Saw Ryan Hang." A beautiful, beautiful piece, "The Lilly Maid of Astolat," brought tears to my eyes. "Holocaust" made me squirm in my seat like few other things have done. I have no idea what the guy in the blue wig was doing at the blackboard, but he had impeccable timing for milking the laughs, and came across for all the world like Ross Geller.

And so many others...

My highlights were a piece by Opalina Nelissen (I don't know what it was called) but she came on wearing a lab coat and I was hooked. A stunningly passionate amalgamation of condemnation of bureaucracy and cry for help - just don't sit in the front row. But my favourite scene was "Cecily & Gwendoline". I hope I don't upset too many people by saying this was one of the best versions I've ever seen. The timing, the expressions, the speed, the clarity, the pronounciation - all perfect. The perfect piece to demonstrate Love & Hate in 5 minutes flat. Top marks, Ashleigh and Tara, well done.

If I have to criticize, I'll say that some of the performers could have projected more, some of them needed to slow down a little, and some of them occasionally needed to open their mouths (damn, these flies). But these are minor points and detracted infrequently. Overall it was a great night's entertainment. A credit to the school, to the director, and to these talented upcoming performers. Watch your backs...

JB


Thread (6 posts)

Walter PlingeTue, 29 May 2001, 12:39 am
Okay, school productions are still theatre, so this counts:

Caught a show called "Jigsaw" by the Year 12 Drama Class at St Norbert College, and Dr M and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The programme told us, "Tonight's theatre experience is unique," and it was. "Jigsaw" did not have a plot, it had a theme. It was a collection of excerpts and monologues dealing with the many aspects of love and hate - and it worked.

52 excerpts in two hours, and the evening just flashed by. Obviously some excerpts were longer than others, but the audience were never bored nor starved of variety. I only got a few of the names, sorry...

Congrats to the guys who wrote the sketch "Pizza" - obviously inspired by (but not copied from) the SBS TV show from a few months ago. Very funny, with some great facial expressions from Stevie Wilson, beset by the amorous advances of the untamed, testosterone-charged Aussie male. Nice tag line, too.

I really liked the Shylock speech. Rightly or wrongly, I enjoy it when he's presented sympathetically. A marvellous controlled monologue also from the guy who performed, "I Saw Ryan Hang." A beautiful, beautiful piece, "The Lilly Maid of Astolat," brought tears to my eyes. "Holocaust" made me squirm in my seat like few other things have done. I have no idea what the guy in the blue wig was doing at the blackboard, but he had impeccable timing for milking the laughs, and came across for all the world like Ross Geller.

And so many others...

My highlights were a piece by Opalina Nelissen (I don't know what it was called) but she came on wearing a lab coat and I was hooked. A stunningly passionate amalgamation of condemnation of bureaucracy and cry for help - just don't sit in the front row. But my favourite scene was "Cecily & Gwendoline". I hope I don't upset too many people by saying this was one of the best versions I've ever seen. The timing, the expressions, the speed, the clarity, the pronounciation - all perfect. The perfect piece to demonstrate Love & Hate in 5 minutes flat. Top marks, Ashleigh and Tara, well done.

If I have to criticize, I'll say that some of the performers could have projected more, some of them needed to slow down a little, and some of them occasionally needed to open their mouths (damn, these flies). But these are minor points and detracted infrequently. Overall it was a great night's entertainment. A credit to the school, to the director, and to these talented upcoming performers. Watch your backs...

JB


Walter PlingeTue, 29 May 2001, 11:05 am

RE: Jigsaw

Jarrod, you gave credit to the school (which you named) and the young performers (some of whom you named), but you also gave credit to the Director but failed to name the person.
I think I speak for many in wanting to know who has such a great talent that they are able to mould such a large number of individual sketches into a coherent and entertaining couple of hours while using comparitively inexperienced actors. Sounds to me like a very rare talent.
I was also wondering if being on a school grounds violates your parole.
melissaTue, 29 May 2001, 04:09 pm

RE: Jigsaw

'But my favourite scene was "Cecily & Gwendoline". I hope I don't upset too many people by saying this was one of the best versions I've ever seen.'

No, no, Jarrod I'm not offended at all. Just don't let Jeff of Amy read that, they just might be!!! Seriously, you should come along to'Travesties' to see a very different version of "Cecily & Gwendoline", done to the tune of the "Mr Sheen" ad.

Mel
Walter PlingeTue, 29 May 2001, 09:41 pm

RE: Jigsaw

I agree with Jarod, wonderful performance by St Norbert College, so much talent in WA. I thoroughly enjoyed Cecily & Gwendoline - particularly facial expressions and all the little extras that both girls did so well - the scene was excellent
Walter PlingeWed, 30 May 2001, 02:20 pm

RE: Jigsaw

>> You gave credit to the school (which you named) and the young performers (some of whom you named), but you also gave credit to the Director but failed to name the person.

Modesty, and a desire not to embarrass, prevents me.

>> I was also wondering if being on a school grounds violates your parole.

Much like Bram Stoker's amusing little allegory, I can go where I please, as long as I'm invited.

And Melissa, I said, "ONE of the best," not, "THE best." I'm not suicidal.

JB
Walter PlingeMon, 4 June 2001, 03:46 pm

RE: Jigsaw

i agree! stevie wilson was "sensational"

Jarrod Buttery wrote:
-------------------------------
Okay, school productions are still theatre, so this counts:

Caught a show called "Jigsaw" by the Year 12 Drama Class at St Norbert College, and Dr M and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The programme told us, "Tonight's theatre experience is unique," and it was. "Jigsaw" did not have a plot, it had a theme. It was a collection of excerpts and monologues dealing with the many aspects of love and hate - and it worked.

52 excerpts in two hours, and the evening just flashed by. Obviously some excerpts were longer than others, but the audience were never bored nor starved of variety. I only got a few of the names, sorry...

Congrats to the guys who wrote the sketch "Pizza" - obviously inspired by (but not copied from) the SBS TV show from a few months ago. Very funny, with some great facial expressions from Stevie Wilson, beset by the amorous advances of the untamed, testosterone-charged Aussie male. Nice tag line, too.

I really liked the Shylock speech. Rightly or wrongl....
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