A view of concrete

‘A View of Concrete’ is a Flaming Locomotive production of Melbourne writer, Gareth Ellis’ Wal Cherry Award-winning play. It is running until 9^th May at the Blue Room, Northbridge. All shows 8pm.

         Two junky girlfriends are talking about the changes to their area, and the loss of greenery with the encroaching of concrete. The topic then changes to their secret desires. Anorexic Billy (Anna Brockway) recalls a happy period in her youth, far from her now miserable life and hence her desire to try and return to the previous security. However, her friend Jacquie (Mel Munt) seems the more stable and logical thinker with a darker desire.
        Jacquie’s boyfriend, the paranoiac, xenophobe, James (Brendan Ewing at his very best) is around at his drug dealer’s home collecting a tablet or two. Dealer Neil (James Helm) who considers himself a doctor and pharmacist, spends most of his time reading books and wondering why every creature has a morbid desire to commit suicide.
        The relationships change as the self-destructive fantasies take over.

This amazing play, along the lines of ‘Trainspotting’ and ‘Red Road,’ takes us into the extremely seedy life of the back streets, and the sad junkies that struggle for survival. Powerfully directed by Allan Girod there are some gut-wrenching and disturbing scenes. When Jacquie shoots up for the first time, Mel Munt portrays a well-observed picture of the twitching and confusion of the victims mind. So powerful were the performances, that when dealer Neil had his final scene, I thought that I was going to have to carry a stressed friend out of the theatre.

This amazing play, along the lines of ‘ and ‘ takes us into the extremely seedy life of the back streets, and the sad junkies that struggle for survival. Powerfully directed by Allan Girod there are some gut-wrenching and disturbing scenes. When Jacquie shoots up for the first time, Mel Munt portrays a well-observed picture of the twitching and confusion of the victims mind. So powerful were the performances, that when dealer Neil had his final scene, I thought that I was going to have to carry a stressed friend out of the theatre.

Joe Lui’s sound design is a subtle, melange of noises, which adds to the mystery of the play. Kyle Brockmann’s lighting is innovative and precise. The costume and set design helped to top off the whole concept of the young, drugs and their pathetic lives in the concrete jungle.

$2 of every ticket goes to Lifeline WA as part of the producer’s Community Partnership initiative. For 14 years I spent the odd, miserable and freezing night sleeping on the streets of Perth to help this cause, thank you for your support.

A brilliant play superbly produced and performed. Will be remembered for years to come.