Reviewed by Jane Stabler
It is not difficult to see why Annie
Baker’s Circle Mirror Transformation has won rave reviews internationally, and
Shannon Murphy’s latest adaptation for Ensemble Theatre is likely to win just
as many fans.
Set across six weeks in the confines of a community centre in Vermont, we are invited to watch as the lives and secrets of a motley crew of drama class attendees slowly creep into their weekly artistic outlet.
The drama class participants couldn’t
be more different from each other, and each is brought to life in stellar
performances by the cast. 21 year old Chloe Bayliss’ stage debut as the teenage
Lauren is a particular stand out, and it is difficult to keep your eyes off her
from the minute she enters the stage, from her perfect portrayal of petulance
to her ongoing attempts to make herself invisible. Eliza Logan as the drama
teacher Marty, is the stereotypical embodiment of a drama enthusiast -
beautifully encouraging her students to become the likes of trees and baseball
gloves with complete conviction. Marty’s husband James (Alan Dukes) is as
convincingly disinterested, whilst Theresa, played by Jenni Baird, portrays the
polar opposite - taking on each task with gusto and winning the hearts of the
men in the class as she does. Schultz, a recently divorcee played by Paul
Gleeson, is immediately likeable and observing him grapple with his feelings
for Theresa evokes sympathy and at time a few cringes.
Watching a group of distinctly
different people carry out deliberately crazy acting games is a clever
technique to mask the seriousness of what is unfolding on the stage. Murphy’s
direction ensures there is no shortage of laughs throughout the production, but
also ensures that there are deeper revelations left to discuss once you exit
the theatre.
Ensemble Theatre,
78 McDougall
Street
Kirribilli
Until 2
September
Tickets:
https://boxoffice.ensemble.com.au
