Review by Markus Hamence – Wednesday 15 November 2023 performance
Well what a bloody fricken treat this was. I walked in unawares to be honest what this performance was all about, I must admit, I didn’t prior read the show bio/brief, and, actually I’m glad I didn’t. I went in open minded with no preconceived ideas or thoughts and very much refreshed by what I experienced. The performance was outstanding. Here’s why…
The hour and a half performance is a showcase of new works and short plays by the 2023 graduating actors of the Flinders Drama Centre. And to say that are rising talented stars is not even doing them justice based on what I witnessed in their gifted deliveries. The maturity and depth these young performers gave us was simply electric. I would have been most happy to watch for another hour and a half easily (alas probably with a wee break haha).
There were fifteen monologues and short plays that we eagerly absorbed as an audience. Each one brilliantly produced and acted. Shant Becker, Tayla Cecere, Luke Furlan, Lauren Jones, Franca Lafosse, Conner Pullinger, Em Ritson, Tom Spiby, Isabella Vassallo and Luke Whiltshire all wrote and acted their pieces (some even two). And stunning pieces they were. From Lady Gaga mentoring through to falling in love with a fish and finding out your girlfriends grandfather is Hitler through to a love of The Wizard of Oz – all the stories shone like diamonds and were thoroughly engaging and enchanting. There were many laugh-out-loud moments and beautiful, tear-worthy and inspiring parts, especially ‘As It Is In Heaven’. I will blame hay fever for my few tears 😉
There was no set, only a few props and a video camera occasionally. This made what we saw 100% compelling and we were riveted to each and every word uttered with authenticity from the already ‘high-standard’ actors. As I sit perched on my sofa, listening to Nina Simon, with the laptop firmly on lap and writing this I am taken back to each of the plays – the confidence and richness that the 10 actors invested into their roles is totally admirable. They should all be flippin’ proud of what they achieved (as I’m sure they are) and hopefully absorbed the appreciation of us adulating audience member.
Many things I am sure about with this vivid showcase including the hard work that has gone into the ten minute stories BUT one thing is a definite and that is we WILL be seeing a lot more from this troupe. Five, well deserved, Stars to each actor and performance.
Bravo to the entire cast AND crew behind this magnificent night of theatre.
be/ginning only has a short run at Adelaide Festival Centre until Friday 17 November so get in quick.
