African Queen - Blue Room, Perth

Well... Have just come back from a matinee performance of "African Queen" at the Blue Room. The production is a workshop of a new chamber opera, a work-in-progress. And damn if this work-in-progress wasn't more accomplished than most "finished" works. The performances by Ann Adlem and Ian Toyne were astounding, especially as not once did we feel like they were just copying the movie. The score and libretto were fantastic, and the setting unbelievably simple and effective and thrilling. There's really not much point in saying much more as anything I describe may not make it in to the final piece. Except to say that if you have a chance GO SEE THIS!!! Especially if it does get picked up and done again, you get the chance to see how the work develops. I wish I had gone earlier in the season and had a chance to come back later to see how it has eveolved. Apparently they added a whole section just this afternoon!!! Damn it, you want something new? How much newer can you get than unfinished!!! Go and support some local writers for once! I know I'll be looking forward to its next incarnation!