Don's Party

It is wierd the way plays with a political message quickly become dated, then become relevant again when the mistakes of history are repeated. This play was written for a time when Australia was following America in an unpopular war and the intelligentia were fed up to the point of revoltion (sic) with the conservative federal govenment which seemed to have been in power forever. That was back in 1971. Playwright David Williamson probably winces when he thinks of his early works such as this, given the sophistication of his more recent plays. He need not though - obviously the Melbourne Theatre Company still regards it as a masterpiece, as did the audience on the night I saw it at the Playhouse in the Victorian Arts Centre last week. First and foremost, this is a comedy. Many of us will be aware of the movie of the same name, starring the lates John Hargreaves and Graham Kennedy. It is still a very funny movie and the play is as funny, powerful and relevant as ever. The set and design of this production earned its own audience appreciation, which is always good to see. I don't usually mention individual performances, but I must commend Colin Lane (formerly 50% of 'Lano & Woodley' comedy duo) for his portrayal of Evan, the straight dentist character. See Col, there IS life after standup! I understand it finishes about 10 February. Well worth the trip from Perth to Melbourne but.