Female Transport
Fri, 19 Aug 2005, 04:36 pmWalter Plinge5 posts in thread
Female Transport
Fri, 19 Aug 2005, 04:36 pmI went to the opening night of Female Transport last night at Pheonix Theatre. Gosh, was I impressed. The first time I've been prompted to write a review, let alone a long one like this!
The play revolves around 6 female convicts being transported to Botany Bay. The whole play is set in their cell on the boat, and the girls don't move from it the whole time. There's not a whole lot of movement - in fact they spend half the time in leg irons.
Sound grim? Well, it would be if the girls didn't do such a good job with the acting. They were fantastic. This would not have been an easy acting job. The girls went from periods of reflective boredom to rapid fire arguments, There were moments of slapstick (yay, barrel girl) and moments of intense drama. They did it all without missing a beat.
I think I enjoyed the grittiness of their performances the best. None of these girls were 'ladies'. And none of them were particularly nice. If any one of the characters had been transplanted into any other play they would have been a villain, but in this play it was just a matter of them being different shades of black. These were hard women - think Prisoner set 200 years ago. But for all that, they were so likeable. And very very watchable.
It's probably not fair to single cast members out in an ensemble piece like this one, but three of the girls in particular stood out to me. They stood out because they placed a great degree of complexity into their characters, and I'm betting that a lot of this wasn't in the script.
Amy Tyers played what was essentially a character role (I don't know whether it started this way in the script) to perfection. Her catty laughs, coughing fits, the way she stood up to authority without any sense of self preservation and then bravely laughed off the consequences - it was a good strong performance.
Sharon Thomas (my mate that I went to see in the show, but I promise I'm not biased) was also good. I've seen most of Sharon's plays, and I can honestly say this was the best performance I've seen her in. Sharon, you did really well mate.
But the standout for me was the girl playing Charlotte (Joanna _____?) I've seen some great amateur performances, and I can't recall seeing one that has impressed me more. There was such a great range and depth to it. I can't even put my finger on why it was so powerful, but in my opinion it was this character that defined the play for me. A strong woman with her own set of principles (not necessarily society's principles!), able to be considerate, just as able to kick her cellmates when they're down. If you're reading this, sorry for not mentioning you're surname - I wish I'd taken a program with me!
I remember when I did Stories from a Suburban Road there were 6 actors in an ensemble and the reviews focussed on other members (singling them out for either praise or criticism). I don't think I got personally named in any of the reviews that I read, and that stung my pride a bit. I realise I've done the same thing here and to the other three girls in the cast, SORRY! I appreciated your work, and recognise that you were part of an ensemble that really shined.
I should mention that there were also four males in the cast, two of whom were doing their first play. The play was definitely centred on the female characters, but the guys did their part too.
I was particularly impressed with the guy who played Tommy (Matt ______?). I initially thought he was a bit insipid, and thought he looked a little out of his depth. But then I realised that I might have just been drawn into his character, which developed more and more balls as the play went through. I was absolutely amazed when I saw him after the show. He was not at all what I'd expected him to be after seeing the character - a true sign of someone who's done his job to perfection. The accent was amazing - it had me completely fooled. And I was gobsmacked to find that meek, pushed-around Tommy was in fact played by an actor that exuded confidence in real life. Can't give you more of a compliment than that! Well done!
And a note for Sarge - if that was your first full-length play, really really good job.
I could make some negative criticisms. I thought that some of the scenes with the men on their own were a bit weak, although that might have been the fault of some expositional and didactic dialogue. Also, the leg chains were a little too real - they made a lot of noise and made some of the dialogue difficult to hear. There were also some minor opening night issues with lights, but nothing too major.
Anyway, thanks to the cast and crew of this production. As you can see, I really enjoyed the experience.
The play revolves around 6 female convicts being transported to Botany Bay. The whole play is set in their cell on the boat, and the girls don't move from it the whole time. There's not a whole lot of movement - in fact they spend half the time in leg irons.
Sound grim? Well, it would be if the girls didn't do such a good job with the acting. They were fantastic. This would not have been an easy acting job. The girls went from periods of reflective boredom to rapid fire arguments, There were moments of slapstick (yay, barrel girl) and moments of intense drama. They did it all without missing a beat.
I think I enjoyed the grittiness of their performances the best. None of these girls were 'ladies'. And none of them were particularly nice. If any one of the characters had been transplanted into any other play they would have been a villain, but in this play it was just a matter of them being different shades of black. These were hard women - think Prisoner set 200 years ago. But for all that, they were so likeable. And very very watchable.
It's probably not fair to single cast members out in an ensemble piece like this one, but three of the girls in particular stood out to me. They stood out because they placed a great degree of complexity into their characters, and I'm betting that a lot of this wasn't in the script.
Amy Tyers played what was essentially a character role (I don't know whether it started this way in the script) to perfection. Her catty laughs, coughing fits, the way she stood up to authority without any sense of self preservation and then bravely laughed off the consequences - it was a good strong performance.
Sharon Thomas (my mate that I went to see in the show, but I promise I'm not biased) was also good. I've seen most of Sharon's plays, and I can honestly say this was the best performance I've seen her in. Sharon, you did really well mate.
But the standout for me was the girl playing Charlotte (Joanna _____?) I've seen some great amateur performances, and I can't recall seeing one that has impressed me more. There was such a great range and depth to it. I can't even put my finger on why it was so powerful, but in my opinion it was this character that defined the play for me. A strong woman with her own set of principles (not necessarily society's principles!), able to be considerate, just as able to kick her cellmates when they're down. If you're reading this, sorry for not mentioning you're surname - I wish I'd taken a program with me!
I remember when I did Stories from a Suburban Road there were 6 actors in an ensemble and the reviews focussed on other members (singling them out for either praise or criticism). I don't think I got personally named in any of the reviews that I read, and that stung my pride a bit. I realise I've done the same thing here and to the other three girls in the cast, SORRY! I appreciated your work, and recognise that you were part of an ensemble that really shined.
I should mention that there were also four males in the cast, two of whom were doing their first play. The play was definitely centred on the female characters, but the guys did their part too.
I was particularly impressed with the guy who played Tommy (Matt ______?). I initially thought he was a bit insipid, and thought he looked a little out of his depth. But then I realised that I might have just been drawn into his character, which developed more and more balls as the play went through. I was absolutely amazed when I saw him after the show. He was not at all what I'd expected him to be after seeing the character - a true sign of someone who's done his job to perfection. The accent was amazing - it had me completely fooled. And I was gobsmacked to find that meek, pushed-around Tommy was in fact played by an actor that exuded confidence in real life. Can't give you more of a compliment than that! Well done!
And a note for Sarge - if that was your first full-length play, really really good job.
I could make some negative criticisms. I thought that some of the scenes with the men on their own were a bit weak, although that might have been the fault of some expositional and didactic dialogue. Also, the leg chains were a little too real - they made a lot of noise and made some of the dialogue difficult to hear. There were also some minor opening night issues with lights, but nothing too major.
Anyway, thanks to the cast and crew of this production. As you can see, I really enjoyed the experience.
Walter PlingeFri, 19 Aug 2005, 04:36 pm
I went to the opening night of Female Transport last night at Pheonix Theatre. Gosh, was I impressed. The first time I've been prompted to write a review, let alone a long one like this!
The play revolves around 6 female convicts being transported to Botany Bay. The whole play is set in their cell on the boat, and the girls don't move from it the whole time. There's not a whole lot of movement - in fact they spend half the time in leg irons.
Sound grim? Well, it would be if the girls didn't do such a good job with the acting. They were fantastic. This would not have been an easy acting job. The girls went from periods of reflective boredom to rapid fire arguments, There were moments of slapstick (yay, barrel girl) and moments of intense drama. They did it all without missing a beat.
I think I enjoyed the grittiness of their performances the best. None of these girls were 'ladies'. And none of them were particularly nice. If any one of the characters had been transplanted into any other play they would have been a villain, but in this play it was just a matter of them being different shades of black. These were hard women - think Prisoner set 200 years ago. But for all that, they were so likeable. And very very watchable.
It's probably not fair to single cast members out in an ensemble piece like this one, but three of the girls in particular stood out to me. They stood out because they placed a great degree of complexity into their characters, and I'm betting that a lot of this wasn't in the script.
Amy Tyers played what was essentially a character role (I don't know whether it started this way in the script) to perfection. Her catty laughs, coughing fits, the way she stood up to authority without any sense of self preservation and then bravely laughed off the consequences - it was a good strong performance.
Sharon Thomas (my mate that I went to see in the show, but I promise I'm not biased) was also good. I've seen most of Sharon's plays, and I can honestly say this was the best performance I've seen her in. Sharon, you did really well mate.
But the standout for me was the girl playing Charlotte (Joanna _____?) I've seen some great amateur performances, and I can't recall seeing one that has impressed me more. There was such a great range and depth to it. I can't even put my finger on why it was so powerful, but in my opinion it was this character that defined the play for me. A strong woman with her own set of principles (not necessarily society's principles!), able to be considerate, just as able to kick her cellmates when they're down. If you're reading this, sorry for not mentioning you're surname - I wish I'd taken a program with me!
I remember when I did Stories from a Suburban Road there were 6 actors in an ensemble and the reviews focussed on other members (singling them out for either praise or criticism). I don't think I got personally named in any of the reviews that I read, and that stung my pride a bit. I realise I've done the same thing here and to the other three girls in the cast, SORRY! I appreciated your work, and recognise that you were part of an ensemble that really shined.
I should mention that there were also four males in the cast, two of whom were doing their first play. The play was definitely centred on the female characters, but the guys did their part too.
I was particularly impressed with the guy who played Tommy (Matt ______?). I initially thought he was a bit insipid, and thought he looked a little out of his depth. But then I realised that I might have just been drawn into his character, which developed more and more balls as the play went through. I was absolutely amazed when I saw him after the show. He was not at all what I'd expected him to be after seeing the character - a true sign of someone who's done his job to perfection. The accent was amazing - it had me completely fooled. And I was gobsmacked to find that meek, pushed-around Tommy was in fact played by an actor that exuded confidence in real life. Can't give you more of a compliment than that! Well done!
And a note for Sarge - if that was your first full-length play, really really good job.
I could make some negative criticisms. I thought that some of the scenes with the men on their own were a bit weak, although that might have been the fault of some expositional and didactic dialogue. Also, the leg chains were a little too real - they made a lot of noise and made some of the dialogue difficult to hear. There were also some minor opening night issues with lights, but nothing too major.
Anyway, thanks to the cast and crew of this production. As you can see, I really enjoyed the experience.
The play revolves around 6 female convicts being transported to Botany Bay. The whole play is set in their cell on the boat, and the girls don't move from it the whole time. There's not a whole lot of movement - in fact they spend half the time in leg irons.
Sound grim? Well, it would be if the girls didn't do such a good job with the acting. They were fantastic. This would not have been an easy acting job. The girls went from periods of reflective boredom to rapid fire arguments, There were moments of slapstick (yay, barrel girl) and moments of intense drama. They did it all without missing a beat.
I think I enjoyed the grittiness of their performances the best. None of these girls were 'ladies'. And none of them were particularly nice. If any one of the characters had been transplanted into any other play they would have been a villain, but in this play it was just a matter of them being different shades of black. These were hard women - think Prisoner set 200 years ago. But for all that, they were so likeable. And very very watchable.
It's probably not fair to single cast members out in an ensemble piece like this one, but three of the girls in particular stood out to me. They stood out because they placed a great degree of complexity into their characters, and I'm betting that a lot of this wasn't in the script.
Amy Tyers played what was essentially a character role (I don't know whether it started this way in the script) to perfection. Her catty laughs, coughing fits, the way she stood up to authority without any sense of self preservation and then bravely laughed off the consequences - it was a good strong performance.
Sharon Thomas (my mate that I went to see in the show, but I promise I'm not biased) was also good. I've seen most of Sharon's plays, and I can honestly say this was the best performance I've seen her in. Sharon, you did really well mate.
But the standout for me was the girl playing Charlotte (Joanna _____?) I've seen some great amateur performances, and I can't recall seeing one that has impressed me more. There was such a great range and depth to it. I can't even put my finger on why it was so powerful, but in my opinion it was this character that defined the play for me. A strong woman with her own set of principles (not necessarily society's principles!), able to be considerate, just as able to kick her cellmates when they're down. If you're reading this, sorry for not mentioning you're surname - I wish I'd taken a program with me!
I remember when I did Stories from a Suburban Road there were 6 actors in an ensemble and the reviews focussed on other members (singling them out for either praise or criticism). I don't think I got personally named in any of the reviews that I read, and that stung my pride a bit. I realise I've done the same thing here and to the other three girls in the cast, SORRY! I appreciated your work, and recognise that you were part of an ensemble that really shined.
I should mention that there were also four males in the cast, two of whom were doing their first play. The play was definitely centred on the female characters, but the guys did their part too.
I was particularly impressed with the guy who played Tommy (Matt ______?). I initially thought he was a bit insipid, and thought he looked a little out of his depth. But then I realised that I might have just been drawn into his character, which developed more and more balls as the play went through. I was absolutely amazed when I saw him after the show. He was not at all what I'd expected him to be after seeing the character - a true sign of someone who's done his job to perfection. The accent was amazing - it had me completely fooled. And I was gobsmacked to find that meek, pushed-around Tommy was in fact played by an actor that exuded confidence in real life. Can't give you more of a compliment than that! Well done!
And a note for Sarge - if that was your first full-length play, really really good job.
I could make some negative criticisms. I thought that some of the scenes with the men on their own were a bit weak, although that might have been the fault of some expositional and didactic dialogue. Also, the leg chains were a little too real - they made a lot of noise and made some of the dialogue difficult to hear. There were also some minor opening night issues with lights, but nothing too major.
Anyway, thanks to the cast and crew of this production. As you can see, I really enjoyed the experience.
Walter PlingeSat, 20 Aug 2005, 09:04 am
Re: Female Transport
Unlike Garry, I didn't go to see a mate in this play - I went to see my new local community theatre group in a heritage venue performing a difficult ensemble piece with historic and feministic references. Nevertheless, like Garry, I was very impressed and thoroughly entertained.
To me, one of the most startling images in the play was the chains. From the very first entrance, one is made rudely aware that the characters we are seeing are members of a subclass who are being denied basic human rights, not so much for the common good as for selfish economic reasons. The resonance with modern day detention centres is inescapable all the way through the play, including the abuse of power by those in charge.
Two of my favourite books are Anne Summers' 'Damned Whores and God's Police' and Thomas Kenneally's "Bring Larks and Heroes". This play sits nicely in between them. Together, they are the voice of our own forbears, screaming 'Never again!' Which reminds me of a quote about those who ignore the lessons of history being doomed to repeat them.
Anyway, well done all and keep up the good work, Phoenix.
Thou bootless weather-bitten ratsbane!
To me, one of the most startling images in the play was the chains. From the very first entrance, one is made rudely aware that the characters we are seeing are members of a subclass who are being denied basic human rights, not so much for the common good as for selfish economic reasons. The resonance with modern day detention centres is inescapable all the way through the play, including the abuse of power by those in charge.
Two of my favourite books are Anne Summers' 'Damned Whores and God's Police' and Thomas Kenneally's "Bring Larks and Heroes". This play sits nicely in between them. Together, they are the voice of our own forbears, screaming 'Never again!' Which reminds me of a quote about those who ignore the lessons of history being doomed to repeat them.
Anyway, well done all and keep up the good work, Phoenix.
Thou bootless weather-bitten ratsbane!
NormaSat, 20 Aug 2005, 12:00 pm
Re: Female Transport
Well Garry, you have written it for me! I went online a few minutes ago intending to write a review.You have said all I intended to, so I can only add a comment to go and see it.
THe set was amazing, I don't know what the bowels of a convict ship looked like but it was very impressive (a bit too clean possibly, but that's only a modern quibble)
The menfolk certainly made the best of their minor parts with impressive performances when needed, but the 'girls' were excellent. Not possible to single out any one but Sharon really did enjoy her part!
Congratulations to Hywel Williams, who is more usually seen up in the lighting box, for what is as I understand, his directorial debut.
As one of the newest community theatres around, Phoenix deserve our support so make the trek. It's not very far out, corner Carrington Street/Rockingham Road, very easy to see and plenty of parking.
One word of caution: If it's chilly wrap up well and take a cushion. It's an old hall, high ceilings and a touch draughty, but the welcome is warm and the play worth seeing so catch it Sunday 21st at 2 pm or next week Aug 25/26/27 at 8 pm
THe set was amazing, I don't know what the bowels of a convict ship looked like but it was very impressive (a bit too clean possibly, but that's only a modern quibble)
The menfolk certainly made the best of their minor parts with impressive performances when needed, but the 'girls' were excellent. Not possible to single out any one but Sharon really did enjoy her part!
Congratulations to Hywel Williams, who is more usually seen up in the lighting box, for what is as I understand, his directorial debut.
As one of the newest community theatres around, Phoenix deserve our support so make the trek. It's not very far out, corner Carrington Street/Rockingham Road, very easy to see and plenty of parking.
One word of caution: If it's chilly wrap up well and take a cushion. It's an old hall, high ceilings and a touch draughty, but the welcome is warm and the play worth seeing so catch it Sunday 21st at 2 pm or next week Aug 25/26/27 at 8 pm
Walter PlingeTue, 23 Aug 2005, 09:12 pm
Re: Female Transport
Hear, hear! Amazing set, wonderful acting, especially from the women, a play well worth seeing and a group well worth supporting.
Walter PlingeSun, 28 Aug 2005, 06:57 am
Re: Female Transport
After watching many rehersal and seeing the end result onthe final night I was impressed ... lost for words to describe the experience ... believe me I am very rarely speechless!!!!
Proud to be personally involved with you all and I wish you every success :)
Bright Blessings
Sandra
Proud to be personally involved with you all and I wish you every success :)
Bright Blessings
Sandra