Horse Head

If you've seen the original Godfather movie, you'll enjoy picking up on the many subtle little clues and references. If you don't know or remember anything about the film, it won't detract from the fun. It doesn't take much to be brought up to speed on the premise...a couple of bit characters who aren't even referred to in the film, confronted with having to carry out the gruesome task of one of the film's signature moments. It's a bit along the lines of Tom Stoppard writing 'Rosencrantz and Guildenstern' about the minor characters from Hamlet. Like Stoppard's, Damon Lockwood's play is innovative, witty, and fast paced, and I found it very funny. The two brothers basically argue with each other about the action that we all know about but is never seen on stage. Everything therefore rests on the actors' portrayal of their character and the wit of their dialogue, and long-time comedic partners Lockwood and Longley show how well they can portray hapless comic characters in an increasingly absurd situation. Too often in a genre comedy I feel I can guess what's about to come next, and find myself distracted or bored. This was not the case with the Horsehead script, particularly the opening set-up; I found myself intrigued from the outset and enjoyed watching it unravel, even with the basic plot premise already explained to me. The simple set is used to full advantage (a round of applause simply for the chair design), and although it's not a highly physical play, the moments of physical comedy were gold. As were the not-too-subtle jabs at the world of acting and improvising (these are two of the most accomplished actors and improvisers in Perth). My only reservation was the accuracy/consistency of the American accents. While it was partially justified in the script that the two brothers sounded different, I found it hard to place Damon's accent, which wandered around a bit. Sam was more solid, delivering a pretty consistent thick Noo Yawk. But the beauty of both performances was the ability to find real emotion, to make us feel the human side of what could have just been cardboard stereotypes. Flashing from absurd wackiness to very real drama was what made the play and performers stand out. A very enjoyable, quirky little comedy, which deserves to get picked up by some festival somewhere. On for another week, and I'd even like to watch it again...I already know some people who have. You should. Cheers, Craig As this is the ITA website, there are bound to be readers who will point out that I am good mates with both Damon and Sam, and will claim this as evidence that my opinion of their work will be inflated out of proportion. But those that know me will realise I'm not giving them a good review simply because they are my mates. It just happens that the mates I hang out with are very accomplished at putting on bloody good theatre. crg ~<8>-/====\---------