WoNDERLaNDS ****1/2

Mon, 11 June 2007, 08:22 am

“WoNDERLaNDS’ by multi-award winning writer Katherine Thomson, is showing at the Victoria Hall, 179 High Street, Fremantle until 1st July. It is presented by BHP Billiton, Nickel West and Deckchair Theatre.

Remote station farmers, Cathy (Angela Campbell) and Lon (Luke Hewitt), are preparing for their daughter’s wedding to Tom (Scott Jackson), when an official letter arrives regarding Aboriginal Land Rights. Edie (Margaret Harvey), an old Aboriginal friend of the family, suddenly becomes a pariah as the fight begins.

On several occasions, we are taken back 70 years to an earlier generation on the same land, when Alice (Samantha Murray) was the land owner, and Jim (Kyle Morrison) was her station hand.

A couple of friends commented to me that they were not looking forward to hearing the Land’s Rights issue flogged to death yet again, but this play was far from a lecture, it was a superbly written piece, at times almost poetic. It was filled with humour and with several little side tales going on at the same time. There is emotion and excitement, tension and fun. It shows the attitude of the landowners to the 'Black Fellas' in the 1930’s compared to today and makes the audience wonder which era had the most harmony.

Luke Hewitt, an ideal choice by Angela Chaplin for the part of the struggling farmer, was at his best when tackling Edie. Margaret Harvey, whom I saw recently in ‘Ghost Writer’ playing a distraught, withdrawn mother who had lost her child – and no doubt in line for an award for that part - now in WoNDERLaNDS shows the scope of her acting where she is powerful and humorous.

Bryan Woltjen’s set of corrugated iron and plastic roof sheeting, convincingly created a simple home with the mountains around. Some of the action took place high up on the hillside! Sensitive lighting by Andrew Portwine.

A big surprise, good original story, with excellent dialogue and characterisation. Strongly recommended.

Thread (7 posts)

Threaded Flat

Gordon the OptomMon, 11 June 2007, 08:22 am

On several occasions, we are taken back 70 years to an earlier generation on the same land, when Alice (Samantha Murray) was the land owner, and Jim (Kyle Morrison) was her station hand.

A big surprise, good original story, with excellent dialogue and characterisation. Strongly recommended.

Daniel KershawMon, 11 June 2007, 02:45 pm

the star system

I'm going to bring it up again, but your star system has no system at all. Everything you see either gets 4 or 4 1/2. It's either that or 3 1/2 if you had a problem with the production. The stars are no indication of whether the show was good or not. Can you please devise conform to a system where the score of 2 1/2 is average? If you abided by this, everyone would have a clearer understanding of what you actually thought of the show.

Gordon the OptomMon, 11 June 2007, 03:54 pm

STARS

Point taken Daniel. The standard in Perth in the past 18 months has shot ahead.

Sometimes the acting is outstanding, but the script content and direction average.

Some shows are really brilliant - as chewing gum for the mind - but poorly acted, yet still most enjoyable.

I know you weren't being specific, but this was an award winning play, powerfully acted, original scenery design and very well directed ... what would you give? Genuine suggestions are most welcome.

I will miss off the stars for a while.

Thanks for your comment. Kind regards, Gordon

Walter PlingeMon, 11 June 2007, 04:44 pm

stars

Gordon's star-rankings are quite reasonable. 3 1/2; 4; 4 1/2; 5 stars, by my interpretation this translates to: adequate or less; good; very good; outstanding. For something as subjective as theatre, and given that a performance will develop and vary from opening to closing, four distinct grades is okay, with commendably diplomatic ambiguity for the lowest grade. In any case, Gordon's written review is always there to be read. No-one else even comes close to matching his efforts at seeing and reviewing theatre in Perth. Gordon is to be thanked for the support and encouragement he has given to so many productions and individuals. Even though Daniel's comments are petty, Gordon still gives them polite consideration.

Daniel KershawTue, 12 June 2007, 03:02 pm

Re: JG

I think you missed my point altogether JG. And, for information, I have commended Gordon's appreciation of theatre on several occasions, ask him yourself. I just think the star system over shadows his comments. For example, if he gives a show a 4 1/2 and says it had problems, is this an accurate depiction of what he thought of the show? Sometimes I base my attendance on what Gordon has said, because no one else reviews shows in town, right? On occasions, I have been disappointed when he has given a show a 4 1/2 that I have found to be average, or even below par. But overall, I can agree with most of his critiques. I agree with your comments about being diplomatic and I'm not saying he should be a ruthless son-of-a-bitch. I just want to know when he REALLY likes or hates something. But then again, I can support my argument with a belittling word like "petty" too. In response to Gordon's comments, I was not being specific about this play. I am sure it is a great production and I will try and see it.

Walter PlingeTue, 12 June 2007, 09:16 pm

As long as he "reframes"

As long as he "reframes" his comments, that's the the important thing.

Daniel KershawThu, 14 June 2007, 03:05 pm

That's very witty. How did

That's very witty. How did you learn to be so witty? I mean, pointing out typographical errors must be a talent reserved for members of mensa. Are you a member of mensa? I know one thing you are and that's a hypocrite. - As long as he "reframes" his comments, that's the the (sic) important thing. Typos, everyone makes them. Thank you for your valuable contribution to this discussion.

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