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.

Adjudicators do attend workshops before they can become an adjudicator. As someone who has worked with Julia, I find myself wondering if you are describing the same person.

Absit invidia (and DFT :nono:)

Jeff Watkins

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This message removed 9:08 pm 15 June 2009 at the request of K Hilton for reason: alleged defamatory content.

Grant Malcolm
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I just wish to clarify a very important point here, for the benefit of everyone - Only users with Administrator Access can see a poster's IP Address. Quite clearly this "Greg Davison" (while supporting Julia) being an anonymous user does not have the access level required to be able to view a posters IP address. It is possible that they have 'sourced' an IP address through other means, yet that IP would not be a reflection of the actual source of the post itself.

I have access that allows me to see IPs and have checked the IP addresses of both the accused and incriminating post. I can attest that the IPs are very different. However, I am not an Administrator of this site. That would be Grant and Na.

Incidentally, IP addresses can be used to track a person but only so far without a court order. Without this, one may determine what Internet Service Provider someone has used and where that service is based, nothing else.

Additionally, (and I am not a Network Specialist, I have only set a few up and maintained a few in my time) unless you have a dedicated internet connection, usually associated with a Land-Line, Dial-up or Integrated Network, then your IP address will change with each session (usually on a daily rotation) and therefore, the IP address you use today will most likely not be the one you use tomorrow. Considering that the accused last logged in some time ago (days) and was using a service that would most likely rotate their IPs, it would be quite impossible to say that the post submitted today was the same person.

Additionally, Kerri and Julia are not at odds with each other so to even think that Kerri would "point-the-bone" in this was is simply wrong.

Absit invidia (and DFT :nono:)

Jeff Watkins

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Na is quite correct. The only person with full access to the back end of the site is me and I'm quite happy to be dragged in.

:-)

Labrug is also correct in pointing out that IP addresses are not clear pointers to anything.

Kerri is quite correct that "Greg Davidson" is a troll.

I've never met Julia but I'm sure Very Concerned is correct suggesting that she is another awesome human being.

JMuzz is correct, "Concerned" should apologise.

Jeffhansen is correct that Freddie has his IPs and ISPs mixed up.

Freddie Badgery is probably correct when he says it's not the first time.

I'm sure Julia Hern is correct in recommending we all get along to Joe Egg.

"Greg Davidson" was wrong.

As I suspect was Concerned (except for the typo and preview bit) but I can't be bothered reading a post that has already been removed from view by my peers. I trust your judgement.

For the knockers... there have been 13 comments posted on this topic today. During the same period there were 89 other comments and 17 new topics and events - 106 items outnumbering this thread nearly eight to one.

:-)

Cheers
Grant

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Director, actor and administrator of this website