degree absolute
Mon, 27 May 2002, 05:42 pmNath12 posts in thread
degree absolute
Mon, 27 May 2002, 05:42 pmWho: Vagabond Theatre
What: DEGREE ABSOLUTE
Where: The Blue Room Theatre
I love it when theatre really makes you think. When it confronts your preconceived ideals and morals, shakes them about, and then says: now what do you think? I am still thinking about Degree Absolute, 3 days after seeing it.
The play is basically the interrogation of a prisoner. One held without charge or trial.
The ease with which Patrick Spicer and Paul Goddard work together was refreshing. Patrick portrayed Mr X (I'll call him that because I shouldn't say his name) the suspected terrorist with just the right mix of fear and resentment. Was he innocent? Or guilty? Or was that just not the point? Paul portrayed Alex, the "analyst", with just as much balance. Revealing both a zealot and man who truly cared for his friends.
The staging was very effective too, it's simplicity a contrast to the complex issue being debated.
There was a really interesting use of music and lighting to alter the mood in the theatre. It wasn't done in a particularly subtle way, more a non-naturalistic way - these things wouldn't normally change in a cell! But the effect was really good and didn't seem at all contrived.
I really think it's a play appropriate to our time, especially given the Federal Government's desire to change laws regarding detaining suspected "terrorists" without trial.
Well done Jo and co!
Cheers
Nath
What: DEGREE ABSOLUTE
Where: The Blue Room Theatre
I love it when theatre really makes you think. When it confronts your preconceived ideals and morals, shakes them about, and then says: now what do you think? I am still thinking about Degree Absolute, 3 days after seeing it.
The play is basically the interrogation of a prisoner. One held without charge or trial.
The ease with which Patrick Spicer and Paul Goddard work together was refreshing. Patrick portrayed Mr X (I'll call him that because I shouldn't say his name) the suspected terrorist with just the right mix of fear and resentment. Was he innocent? Or guilty? Or was that just not the point? Paul portrayed Alex, the "analyst", with just as much balance. Revealing both a zealot and man who truly cared for his friends.
The staging was very effective too, it's simplicity a contrast to the complex issue being debated.
There was a really interesting use of music and lighting to alter the mood in the theatre. It wasn't done in a particularly subtle way, more a non-naturalistic way - these things wouldn't normally change in a cell! But the effect was really good and didn't seem at all contrived.
I really think it's a play appropriate to our time, especially given the Federal Government's desire to change laws regarding detaining suspected "terrorists" without trial.
Well done Jo and co!
Cheers
Nath
Re: degree absolute
Tue, 28 May 2002, 12:21 amYes, indeedy, this is definately a production that you have to get along to see! I went on Friday night and it was dynamite but there was hardly anyone there to see it. I know the whole "interrogation" thing can seem very naff (I approached with a little caution) and the play is openly derivative of action film interrogations, which adds to that naff feeling more than a little ("naff". How good a word is that? Seriously!), but it is done very very well here with excellent staging (in the round, which had the effect of making me feel like a security guard watching over the action), acting and a meaningful point being made which makes it much more than the sum of it's influences. And that doesn't even mention the chocolate bar thing which is just brilliant and had me chuckling for the whole weekend.
The performance also includes some mighty fine local glitch techno soundtracking by the masterful Mystery Producer which has got to be one of the most effective and evocative soundtracking jobs done in Perth theatre for quite some time. Much respect.
This is truly provoking, exciting theatre that WILL get you thinking. And if it doesn't then you probably need to trade that worn out brain of yours in. :)
4/5
The performance also includes some mighty fine local glitch techno soundtracking by the masterful Mystery Producer which has got to be one of the most effective and evocative soundtracking jobs done in Perth theatre for quite some time. Much respect.
This is truly provoking, exciting theatre that WILL get you thinking. And if it doesn't then you probably need to trade that worn out brain of yours in. :)
4/5
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