The Goat, or who is Sylvia? *****

‘The Goat or who is Sylvia?’ an Edward Albee play, is presented by Perth Theatre Company and is showing at PICA in Northbridge until the 23^rd June. The play starts at 8.00 pm – prompt! No admission for late comers. Considering the type of play, a wise decision.

A very successful American architect, Martin (Michael Loney), is celebrating his 50^th birthday and is preparing for an interview, which is to be filmed in the sitting room of his luxurious house, by his long-time best friend, Ross (Ian Toyne).

When the interview goes very poorly, Ross asks what the problem is, only to find that Martin has a new lover. Inevitably, Martin’s wife, Stevie (Nicola Bartlett) learns of the infidelity and is devastated. Attempts at reconciliation between the husband, his wife and teenage son (John Robertson) follow. How successful will they be?

Edward Albee’s play was written almost a decade ago, and the subjects discussed must have stunned audiences with the frank approach, even today it is thought provoking. A worthy winner of major international writer’s awards.

The subject of the play looks like that of many TV soapies, but this is something that you will never have seen before. The dialogue, whilst hilarious, is beautifully structured and has many metaphors and depths, some of which may only surface after leaving the theatre.

This is a 90-minute play, without interval, yet is just riveting. Under the magnificent direction of Melissa Cantwell, this is acting at its very best. The bewildered attitude of the wayward husband, who is more worried about people’s English grammar and syntax than his misdemeanour. The wife who slides from easy-going, to a quivering mass. A magnificent team effort.

A further mention must go to Anna Dymitr Hawkes for the stage management!

The standard of the local productions recently has been mind-blowing. No matter how demanding the script or what the technical demands are, the Perth theatres are meeting the challenges. Oh not another 5* production! Could you give it less? A NOT TO BE MISSED production.