Oscar

‘Oscar’ by Gita Bezard, is Duck House Theatre and the Blue Room Auspice’s latest presentation at The Rechabites’ Hall (yes it is still there) at 224 William Street, in Northbridge each night at 8.00 until Saturday 13^th December.

This absurdist play, originally called ‘The Many Secret Thoughts of Oscar’, was a 2008 Maj Monologues finalist on the emotional theme ‘Love and other Catastrophes’.

                Abandoned, left bitter and wary from previous failed relationships, disillusioned Claire (Sarah McKellar) still has plenty of love to give, but can no longer bring herself to commit to a human, so she finds a new love in the form of a pot-plant named Oscar.
                 Into Claire’s reclusive life comes a musician (Fran Middleton), whose music on demand expresses the pain that Claire suppresses. Then there is the luscious waiter (Tim Watts) who brings the food of love and a few unwanted items.  Bizarre things take place under her rule, with the characters playing wily games and provoking each other. Then jealousy appears, so can they all live in harmony with Claire’s adored Oscar?

Originally, this play was a one-woman, monologue about loneliness in modern society, but director Kathryn Osborne was inspired to add two new characters and rework it into a full-length play. This adaptation has increased the angle of dominance and meanness in the plot.

Playing her own compositions, Fran Middleton’s music was sensitive and sung beautifully.

Lighting by Chris Isaacs was simple but well thought out, employing only a few carefully selected and well-positioned lamps. Set and costume design by Alissa Claessens – but was she the stage manager? As the clear up job at the end could rival Albee’s ‘The Goat’!
It is quite a painful piece with heaps of hidden emotions, but the way the characters play it out, is weird and funny. The props are used with a great deal of symbolism. I am not a great fan of absurdism, but Gita and Katt have made the whole thing almost logical and totally enjoyable.

The cast got right into the fray and coped well with the script’s mood swings from hilarity to desolation – and it was a very funny show, especially the ‘pollination’ scene. ¡Muy bien!