The Stratagem of Interlocking Rings

‘The Stratagem of Interlocking Rings’ is a story adapted by Joe Lui and kit Sparrow and presented from the Blue Room IN Deep and Renegade Productions, it is showing at the Blue Room Studio, James Street, Northbridge from 28^th August until 13^th September nightly at early slot of 6.30 with an extra weekend show at 9.15 pm.

          It is 200 AD in China. The ‘Fat toad’ Han Emperor is so busy being self-indulgent, that he leaves the running of his country to the egotistical, mad despot, Prime Minister (Jeremy Mitchell). The people hate the PM and so two women (Hannah Fetherston and Sam Crow) in the Parliamentary Ministry decide it is time to end his reign. However, hundreds of troops controlled by his grovelling son (Kit Sparrow) and his adopted son (Paul Grabovac) protect him.
          The PM’s daughter (Alexa Taylor) is a zither-playing soothsayer, who her father thinks is a mad, treacherous traitor and so he has had her locked up for years. She repeatedly warns her father that people are plotting against him, but he shrugs it off as even more ranting.
          The two Ministers realise that the only way that they can get to the lecherous PM, is by the stratagem of a female. They therefore employ the services of one of their beautiful daughters (Lily Newbury-Freeman) to infiltrate the hierarchy.
Will the daughter succeed in the downfall of the Han Empire or will the daughter’s warnings be heeded?

The story has many themes from Macbeth – perhaps even the odd quote (?). However, the whole concept and production is quite unique. The acting is in-the-round, which has created a surprisingly large stage in the 40-seat Studio. As always, Joe Lui has produced a stunning lighting design, with a myriad of precisely positioned, small spots. This required the actors to hit their marks accurately – which they did unfailingly. Karl Turner’s set was simple but authentic and inventive.
The costumes designed by Demelza and Siahne Rogers, coupled with the creative hair design (Tracy Sherry) and make-up (Yvonne Ceilia) gave the final authentic touch to the well-researched era.
The acting, directed by Lui, was almost ballet-like with fine synchronicity and delicate body movements.
Another strange, but wonderful, show from the Renegades. If you are a student interested in theatre and want to see how themes can be developed, then try and see this production.