A Month of Sundays (Harbour Theatre, Fremantle)

As seems to be my wont, I attended the last night, last night. I confess that I am a member of HT and knew one member of the cast. This play takes the audience on two consecutive Sunday visits to Cooper, a resident of a 'retirement home' which is more like a residential care facility or twilight hostel. His mind is still very sound but his body is rapidly deteriorating. He introduces us to some of the other characters who populate his shrinking world and convinces us that life is always bearable if you can appreciate its frequent absurdities. As did most of the capacity audience, I recognised with some discomfort, traits common not only to my own aged parents, but also to myself. Issues of guilt and mortality always make for a fun night at the theatre! Once again, the cast was a mix of seasoned veterans and newcomers. It was gratifying to note that at least one recent theatre major uni graduate has recognised the benefit of getting involved in community theatre. I'm sure she could teach the old hands a thing or two as well- especially about learning lines! Set and lighting design most apt - the Tim Prosser artwork is getting to be an event in itself. Thanks for the laughter, folks!