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
Thu, 30 May 2002, 11:41 pmOn a cold winter's night what would make me want to leave the fire, travel to the Blue Room and see a play which, from the picture on the net, just looks like another mindless violent bit of rubbish? The answer for going to the theatre? The director, Jo Marsh, who has proved herself many times, Paul Goddard - one of Perth's most versatile young actors and Patrick Spicer who has been in some shows of variable quality but I knew had potential.
Then one reads the drivel written by some of the reviewers and one wonders what is the play really like. It is a bit like the 'Prisioner' and also Hugo Weavings 'The Interview' but in truth SO MUCH BETTER.
The play, written by Grant Watson, is outstanding and with the use of very subtle light changes by Jo Marsh, makes the most absorbing piece of 'fear study' I have seen. The play takes place in the round, with Ryan (Goddard) being determined to get information out of the miserable wretch (Spicer) even if it means killing him. Spicer was superb and doesn't give up his tremble and obvious suffering for a second. I won't spoil the story, but just say YES getting out on a cold night was worth the bother. A total success by the complete team.
Gordon
Then one reads the drivel written by some of the reviewers and one wonders what is the play really like. It is a bit like the 'Prisioner' and also Hugo Weavings 'The Interview' but in truth SO MUCH BETTER.
The play, written by Grant Watson, is outstanding and with the use of very subtle light changes by Jo Marsh, makes the most absorbing piece of 'fear study' I have seen. The play takes place in the round, with Ryan (Goddard) being determined to get information out of the miserable wretch (Spicer) even if it means killing him. Spicer was superb and doesn't give up his tremble and obvious suffering for a second. I won't spoil the story, but just say YES getting out on a cold night was worth the bother. A total success by the complete team.
Gordon
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