A day in the death of Joe Egg - Subiaco Arts Centre. Presented by Class Act Theatre.

I see a lot of theatre, and at some point throughout most plays, I invariably find my mind wandering, distracted by thoughts unrelated to the action. That DIDN’T happen to me tonight.

Only occasionally am I engaged and moved to the extent I was by this production of A day in the death of Joe Egg. It is a rare combination of an extraordinary script, phenomenal acting and brilliant direction that can produce such a worthwhile piece of theatre.

Peter Nichols wrote this play in the 1960s about a couple with a severely disabled child. The protagonist, Joe’s father Bri, is largely based upon Nichols’ own experience with his daughter Abigail, who was severely handicapped. The coping mechanisms exposed by the characters in the play are not judged; they are just shown. In the words of Director, Stephen Lee: “Nichols asks questions, but gives no easy or sentimental answers.”

Now, don’t be afraid to participate. If you think they’re talking to you – they are! So put your bloody hands on your head and don’t giggle!! If he’s asking you a question, answer it. Stylistically, this play operates within the realm of Alienation. Based on the theatrical conventions of Bertolt Brecht, we’re often reminded that this is a play, the characters direct their thoughts to the audience, and some scenes are delivered as a “play within a play”. I’ve no doubt that these interruptions to the sense of realism would assist audience members in coming to terms with the seemingly blunt way the confronting themes are addressed.

The use of humour and melodrama, interspersed with moments of absolute realism can take the audience on an incredible journey. That is if you allow yourself to release your pre-conceived and politically correct ideas, just for a second, enabling yourself to witness an alternative approach.

In the role of Joe, a character with an extremely debilitating case of cerebral palsy, Melissa Kiiveri was absolutely committed. Her amazing focus and dedication to a truly realistic portrayal was something you may not expect from someone of her tender age, just fourteen years.

Having seen Peter Clark in many previous works, I have become familiar with his superior stagecraft and mastery of comedy. However, I have never before witnessed him play a character with this depth or emotional range. Regardless of the way Bri (Clark) treats his daughter Joe, his wife, mother and friends, I found him to be a sympathetic character. I was enthralled by Peter’s performance, especially the final gut wrenching choice, and when I looked at the equally touched faces of people around me after the show, I felt less embarrassed at having been moved to tears.

Shirley Van Sanden as Sheila (Joe’s mum) did not miss a beat all night. Together with Clark, she weaved the plot through passion and fear, resentment and hope. I was amazed at the natural, expressive way she conveyed the complexities of her character. The frenetic pace of her interaction with the other cast members was testament to her absolute conviction to the scene and her skill as an actor.

The three supporting cast members appeared only in the second act and added yet another dimension to the story. As completely barbaric as their perspectives may be to some, both the script and the actors built the characters in a way that I was able to muster a sense of empathy to each of their individual mindsets. Angelique Malcolm, Grant Watson and Claire Munday can all be commended for their accomplished contribution to the atmospheric climax of the play.

A piece of work directed by Stephen Lee comes with a sense of expectation. After all, he is arguably one of the most skilful and exceptional directors that Perth has the pleasure of harbouring. Tonight exceeded my expectations. Stephen has a way of making every line meaningful, every word uttered makes a difference and every single movement contributes to the audience’s understanding, driving the story forward. His amazing talent and eye for detail is evident in this production in the pace, balance, dynamic and climax. He enabled the actors to find and convey extreme intensity in quiet stillness equally as well as when they were screaming with rage.

This production was of a fine standard. The lighting design, set design and dressing, costumes and props all exuded an attention to detail that combined to make a professional theatrical experience. At only $30 for an adult ticket, I recommend you book your seat for one of the final shows at the Subiaco Arts Centre: Saturday June 13th, Tuesday 16^th, Wednesday 17^th, Friday 19^th and on the final Saturday 20^th June there will be both a matinee and an evening performance.