Once upon a time ... Fairytales remixed

‘Once Upon a Time … Fairytales remixed’ is being presented at the Hayman Theatre, Curtin University each evening until the 1^st November. It is a directors’ exercise production.

A selection of well-known fairytales (but this show is not for children), each given a new twist by a different director. There are seventeen stories, eight or nine ten-minute tales on alternating nights. The directors had been given free reins to do with the stories as they wish, some have retained the standard storyline and concentrated upon the mood and visual effects, others have had a very lateral thinking approach and come up with some very clever interpretations.

The acting standard is generally above average, with a particularly touching performance by Kat Shaw as the ‘Matchstick Girl’ under Jess De Gouw’s direction.  Patrick Cullen and Catherine Chiarelli bring humour with ‘The Princess and the Frog’ directed by Helen Shanahan, as do Alex Littlewood and Hannah Rule in Nicole DiGregorio LaBianca’s interpretation of the ‘Little Tin Soldier’ starring Barbie and Ken!

Plenty of thought, lateral interpretation, and invention have gone into this series of plays. Good fun.

I too was lucky enough to see some of this exciting collection of one-acts on Saturday night, and here's hoping we don't lose some of these guys to the east upon Graduation! I saw the other half of the collection and there was some standout performances that night too. Ailish Lyndon's "Sweet" had everything a good piece of theatre should - humour, intelligence, originality and three standout performances by Kate Hart, Alex Littlewood and Sarah Lumsden. Tristan Pearcy's "Cat and Mouse in Partnership" may not have been an audience favourite due to the intense, graphic nature of the piece, but David Kinsman and Jess DeGouw gave two stellar performances - they took big risks with their brutal portrayals but I was rivetted until the final bloody blow! Another standout performance of the night went to the gorgeous Karly Pisano; who due to illness had to step into the lead role of her directorial piece, and stole the piece with her gorgeous portrayal of the girl with the Red Shoes. Her direction was flawless and her use of space and stage props was original and inspiring. An incedibly enjoyable night at Hayman and I look forward to seeing what these talented you actors and directors are capable once they step away from the confines of Curtin. Well Done to all!