Motherf**ker with a Hat--Black Swan State Theatre Company

I read the script for this several months ago, and have been looking forward to seeing it come to life. I was not disappointed. Adam Mitchell's direction was tight,detailed and frenetic. The opening scene in particular beautiful, physical and a lot of fun to watch. In fact at times, I forgot to laugh, even though this script is funny as hell, because I was right in there with the characters, and underneath all that humour the play packs a powerful emotional punch. Excellent performances from Austin Catiglione and Rhoda Lopez. Rhoda's Veronica was fierce, believable and I could feel her frustration like it was tangible. Austin was not how I had pictured Jackie physically but his energy was never wavering, and he was a lot of fun to watch on stage. For me the stand out performance was Fayssal Bazzi's Counsin Julio. Absolutely brilliant, a real scene stealer. I wasn't impressed with Kenneth Ransom, his performance was a little stilted, he dropped a number of lines however it was a preview and he might get his act together. Alison Van Reekan was strong as always but perhaps a little mis-cast as Victoria. Bryan Woltjen's design was beautiful. A stylised decrepit, madhouse, jungle feel--garish colours, odd angles, and detail, so much detail. Jackie and Veronica's apartments was the strongest, some of the wall hangings in the other two apartments perhaps a little tacked on, however I particularly enjoyed cousin Julio's balcony. I am always excited by a revolve, and this one was very effective and a feast for your eyes. The lighting by Trent Suidgeest was flawless as ever, and did nothing but add to an already tight production. I wasn't in love with the sound design, finding some of the choices a bit odd. This play is lot's of fun. A preview so still working out the kinks, but with such a beautiful design, and talented cast it will only become stronger. 'Motherf**ker' won't be to everyone's taste, but if you aren't offended by the title, then I can guarantee you will love the show. If you make it to one Fringe World Show this year, make it to this one. Motherf**ker with the Hat By Stephen Adley Guirgis At the Studio Underground, State Theatre Centre of WA 17 January - 3 February 2013 TICKETS THROUGH WWW.TICKETEK.COM.AU