Maj Monologues

‘2011 Maj Monologues - Sixth Competition Finals’. This Brain Box Project is, as usual, being held Downstairs at His Maj, His Majesty’s Theatre, 825 Hay Street, Perth. This year’s theme, for the 8 to 15 minute monologues, is ‘Treachery and Lechery in the 21^st Century’.

All eight Finalists’ entries will be performed each evening at 7.30, running until Saturday 26^th March.

 
 

The Gumshoe Blues            playwright Christopher Greenwood, monologue acted by Brendan Hanson

 

In the style of the 1940s private eye we learn of a business deal.

Good story delivered with great style and humour.

 
 

Handyman            playwright Kerry Bowden, monologue acted by Corinne Davies

 

Every wife knows that their husband has an orgasm on entering Bunnings, but the magic of Bunnings can extend much further than one thinks.

Very funny tale, told perfectly in the ‘matter of fact’ style.

 
 

Arbour Day                 playwright Maria Papas, monologue acted by Renee Hale

 

Treachery can start very early in life. A sad story of bullying, sensitively told.

 
 

Nut Job            playwright Kris Bather, acted by Nick Candy

 

When a young schoolboy finds that his love tackle is a little different, what should he do? A black comedy delivered with finesse.

 
 

Symmetry of the Dots                       playwright Damien Gavillet, monologue acted by Whitney Richards.

 

A young girl’s first sexual encounter is not what she hoped for – or was it?

A serious topic handled in a fun cheeky way by Whitney.

 
 

One Wedding and a Betrayal                      playwrights Susan and Patrick Cullen, monologue acted by Charles Wu

 

When you are given the job of DJ at your brother’s wedding things could get quite boring, or it could be the start of a new experience.

This very young actor tackled the coarse but hilarious piece with confidence and a natural presentation.

 
 

Three Fifty Three            playwright Siobhan Dow-Hall, monologue acted by Caitlin Beresford-Ord

 

When a Brit comes to Australia to live, she thinks things are tough, and then she discovers the meaning of the 353.

A tragic topic handled with love. Starting with comedy and working around to a heart-rending climax.

 
 

To Catch a Bride            playwright Tony Casella, monologue acted by James Helm

 

They say that for young men, girl hunting is innate, however some find success easier than others.

Capably handled by James.

 

The entry guide’s instructions were ‘to be creative, entertaining, funny or dramatic’ and all of the selection met their brief. However I felt that a couple didn’t really comply with the title ‘Treachery and Lechery in the 21^st Century’, the ‘and’ being replaced by ‘or’.

The competition is for the best monologue, but it is easy to be drawn to the best performance rather than the finest writing. One or two of the less favoured acts were possibly better written. Also the writing must be suitable for oral presentation, a couple whilst being good stories failed slightly on this level.

Michael McCall directed all of the eight Monologues. Mike has chosen his performers well, with every performer capturing the mood of the piece and giving it their all. Corinne Davies and Charles Wu’s performances were outstanding.

Quality lighting and sound by Jacinta Radbourne.

Usually one monologue shines through, but this year there were four or five exceptional entries and I think the final results really are up in the air. Who will win the $3,000 main Judges’ Choice Award, the Australia Post People’s Choice Award of $1,000 and the Astrid Jackson Encouragement Award of $500? The winner being announced at the end of the evening Saturday 26^th March. Congratulations to all of the writers and performers.