Dust by Zac Gillam
Mon, 13 Dec 2004, 11:21 amWalter Plinge10 posts in thread
Dust by Zac Gillam
Mon, 13 Dec 2004, 11:21 amDust by Zac Gillam- at the Blue Room Wed-Sat this week.
Being familiar with Zac Gillams work from the 2002 comedy “The Phantum” I was warned that his newest theatrical offering “Dust” was something quite different.
Sure, Zac leaves the spoof genre for a futuristic family drama in which there are no singalongs or dance routines, but his characteristic wit and talent for social commentary carry this dystopic forecast of AustraliaÂ’s future.
From the plays outset the audience comes face to face with a world where water shortage is extreme, gas masks an essential item and society is highly monitored, from food consumption to reproductive practices.
While there are some inconsistencies in ZacÂ’s imagined future, the actors commit themselves totally to the obstacles this world provides; the leaking air vents, the drug culture and other consequences of societies disintegration.
What makes this production impressive is its comprehensive use of design and media. The set is solid, complete with vid-screen and working extractor fan (although the inclusion of a screen door in a world covered by dust was somewhat perplexing). The Blue RoomÂ’s intimate main stage is used effectively in creating the settings required by the script; from doctors office to brothel to drug den to school room.
Another innovative inclusion is the plays assortment of voiceovers, which punctuate the intense action with more mundane aspects of life in 2070 and give some indication of worlds prior destruction. Peter Holland and Steven Lee are (not surprisingly) fantastic news readers and Tilly OzdolayÂ’s Gary Cruise is 1080 6ix of the future!
Ashleigh Greig as usual delivers a high standard of work with his soundscape, which, coupled with Ichina SasamoriÂ’s emotive lighting design, adds sensitivity to some of the plays more poignant moments.
This is an engaging piece of theatre that responds effectively to the worldÂ’s current political climate. It also presents relationships that are not only believable in a futuristic Sydney setting; they could just as easily exist in the familiar surroundings of Perth 2004.
Disclaimer: Yes, I am closley associated with a number of people in this production, however I suspect that serves to make me more critical of their work.
Being familiar with Zac Gillams work from the 2002 comedy “The Phantum” I was warned that his newest theatrical offering “Dust” was something quite different.
Sure, Zac leaves the spoof genre for a futuristic family drama in which there are no singalongs or dance routines, but his characteristic wit and talent for social commentary carry this dystopic forecast of AustraliaÂ’s future.
From the plays outset the audience comes face to face with a world where water shortage is extreme, gas masks an essential item and society is highly monitored, from food consumption to reproductive practices.
While there are some inconsistencies in ZacÂ’s imagined future, the actors commit themselves totally to the obstacles this world provides; the leaking air vents, the drug culture and other consequences of societies disintegration.
What makes this production impressive is its comprehensive use of design and media. The set is solid, complete with vid-screen and working extractor fan (although the inclusion of a screen door in a world covered by dust was somewhat perplexing). The Blue RoomÂ’s intimate main stage is used effectively in creating the settings required by the script; from doctors office to brothel to drug den to school room.
Another innovative inclusion is the plays assortment of voiceovers, which punctuate the intense action with more mundane aspects of life in 2070 and give some indication of worlds prior destruction. Peter Holland and Steven Lee are (not surprisingly) fantastic news readers and Tilly OzdolayÂ’s Gary Cruise is 1080 6ix of the future!
Ashleigh Greig as usual delivers a high standard of work with his soundscape, which, coupled with Ichina SasamoriÂ’s emotive lighting design, adds sensitivity to some of the plays more poignant moments.
This is an engaging piece of theatre that responds effectively to the worldÂ’s current political climate. It also presents relationships that are not only believable in a futuristic Sydney setting; they could just as easily exist in the familiar surroundings of Perth 2004.
Disclaimer: Yes, I am closley associated with a number of people in this production, however I suspect that serves to make me more critical of their work.
Re: Dust by Zac Gillam
Mon, 20 Dec 2004, 02:52 amRelentless negativity or otherwise, Juniper made well-informed and constructive comments.
I believe that the very fact that 'Dust' is Looking Glass' debut production, makes it more important to give as much constructive comments on it. I'd hate to give a company such as Looking Glass, who are obviously committed to creating quality theatre a sense of false security if it is apparent that there are a few misgivings with their first production.
I saw the production on Thursday night as well and I too agree that the show was very friends/family-friendly. As the lights were going down to start the show, people were already clapping and cheering. I've been to some professional internationally renowned productions and I don't remember ever hearing an audience clapping and cheering before they've even seen the production! I believe people like Juniper are needed to give constructive criticism and of course, she may not be necessarily right but its up to Looking Glass to take what they want from all the reviews.
Juniper's review had its mixture of positive and constructive criticism, and to be honest if the balance was tipped towards one way, then quite possibly Juniper may have thought the show was not quite polished yet.
You are completely right Sarah, about how heartening it is to see a theatre company like Looking Glass fill houses up with audience, it can be quite scary sometimes when u look at a booking sheet on the night and theres only one name on it! That comes to a great network of contacts, the choice of play and marketing savvy - but lets not mix that up with the actual production values.
Heres hoping Looking Glass will continue to learn and grow from each production they produce. Good luck!
Crispy.
I believe that the very fact that 'Dust' is Looking Glass' debut production, makes it more important to give as much constructive comments on it. I'd hate to give a company such as Looking Glass, who are obviously committed to creating quality theatre a sense of false security if it is apparent that there are a few misgivings with their first production.
I saw the production on Thursday night as well and I too agree that the show was very friends/family-friendly. As the lights were going down to start the show, people were already clapping and cheering. I've been to some professional internationally renowned productions and I don't remember ever hearing an audience clapping and cheering before they've even seen the production! I believe people like Juniper are needed to give constructive criticism and of course, she may not be necessarily right but its up to Looking Glass to take what they want from all the reviews.
Juniper's review had its mixture of positive and constructive criticism, and to be honest if the balance was tipped towards one way, then quite possibly Juniper may have thought the show was not quite polished yet.
You are completely right Sarah, about how heartening it is to see a theatre company like Looking Glass fill houses up with audience, it can be quite scary sometimes when u look at a booking sheet on the night and theres only one name on it! That comes to a great network of contacts, the choice of play and marketing savvy - but lets not mix that up with the actual production values.
Heres hoping Looking Glass will continue to learn and grow from each production they produce. Good luck!
Crispy.
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