degree absolute

Who: 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