Catechism of a revolutionary

‘Catechism of a revolutionary’ is a new work, richly written in the Greek classical style by playwright Joe Lui. It is being presented by award winning Renegade Productions at 1 City Farm Place, East Perth – next to the railway station - until 10^th October. Shows nightly at 8.00 pm.

         The sound of war fills the 50-foot wide stage, as Ernesto (the real name of Che Guevara) drags two prisoners to a place where he intends to execute them. Almost as a sacrifice, Ernesto (Paul Grabovac) calls to Queen Hecate (Mikala Westall) to accept them, as her three birds of prey (Natalie Di Risio, Jess Allen and Angelique St Jorre) fly around the revolutionary, encouraging him to carry out the deed whenever his conscience brings him doubt. Then from the undergrowth comes Thomas Pain (Liam Gamble), who tries to show how killing is not the answer, but to forgive the prisoners and let them go.

         There is then a flashback to Corinth, where the high priestess, Medea (Ariel Simone), goes to Hecate – a bipolar witch, and a mix of ‘demons and angels’ - to tell her how she has killed her children in the Queen’s honour. Instead of being appreciative, Hecate asks if the task was difficult. Medea’s reply is that it was very easy, as she just kept in mind her hate of her husband, Jason (Jason Dohle), and how much this would upset him. Instead of being grateful, Hecate has her three birds of prey (similar to the three witches in Macbeth) hold Medea down whilst she is defiled, and implanted with Hecate’s seeds.

        Medea subsequently gives birth to two boys, Ernesto (Che) and Thomas Pain, before being locked, forever, in an iron maiden. Jason returns to see her, on hearing the news of his children, leaves her in her plight, and remarries.

       Can the tyrant Hecate be controlled or will her misery go on forever?

Blending such works as Euripides’ ‘Medea’, the ‘Motorcycle Diaries’ and Nechayev's ‘Catechism of a Revolutionary’, the words of which Che becomes determined to be a good revolutionary – where, according to the ‘Catechism’, brutes in high positions, must be exploited in every possible way, Then there are hints of ‘Macbeth’, even the ever watching eyes of ‘1984’ and the shrine’s cathode ray alter. There must be at least another half dozen sources that I spotted.

‘Catechism of a Revolutionary’ is a parable for the human desire to right the wrongs of the world. It is an attempt to answer both peace and warmongers,

The script is beautifully written, as well as being powerfully and emotionally delivered by a relatively fresh set of actors. The lighting was, as ever with Renegade, well above average (operator Aleesha Green). Joe Lui’s soft background music of organ and tubular bells was blended with impressive sound effects. The costumes were cleverly designed by Demelza Rogers.

This fascinating and excellent mix of performance art, movement and experimental theatre may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but one cannot deny the quality.