Given that Melbourne University Shakespeare Company’s first show this year intended to splice and dice Bill Shakespeare’s work had sent chills down my spine (let alone make me wonder what the man himself would have to say on the matter) I was pleasantly surprised with the juicy morsels it had to offer.
The theme was accompanied by a competition between groups to perform their very own devised alternative Shakespeare works. The final night was the final heat, where the most popular and well-devised works were performed for the audience and a panel of judges – Fiona Parrey a founding mother of MUSC and the new faces of Union House Theatre, Tom Gutteridge and Erin Adams.
The Showcase naturally featured a jaded Hamlet with a finale sing-along to Que Sera Sera, Jan Mihal with a new haircut, two one-woman shows with feminist undertones and most importantly, a carrot-wielding, sexually confused Romeo.
Felix Johnson’s Romeo and Juliet Have Issues, which was the most popular piece for the Shakespeare Fest 09, was a very enjoyable start to the night, with wonderful performances and slapstick humour. However, the most absorbing and ambient piece was no doubt the winning group performance, Love, directed by Oscar Lopez, featuring Shakespeare’s sonnets. Atmospheric, romantic and sexually charged, it had successfully taken the audience to a higher place. Exploring all forms of love, the hazy euphoria created by music, lighting and the words of Shakespeare reminded me of those soulful moments two or more people can share. It had been the most pleasant wind-down from an evening of both laughter and serious moments, with the afterglow of the performance possibly securing it first place.
Phoebe Taylor’s winning monologue, Rogue Winds, was an insight into the complete works of Shakespeare, having featured all his plays, respectively. For those true-blue Shakespeare fans, it was both engaging, and a test to see if they were able to identify the lines Taylor had selected and performed. Her piece was both gritty and highly engaging; her ability to keep the audience’s attention for ten or more minutes was especially impressive.
MUSC veterans Kieran Bullock and Callum Mcdonald hosted the night with an enjoyable array of introductions and in-betweens, which could only be matched by their ‘I Love Shakespeare’ candy. They had managed to rope the audience into participation with humour and some much needed trivia to brush up on one’s Shakespeare.
A special mention must go to the crew behind the scenes who conjured some pretty neat lighting tricks, which were enjoyed… oh yes they were.
Overall, I think Bill won’t roll but have a good old chuckle in his grave.
R.I.P oh Mighty, Beloved One.
Review by Leeor Adar
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Posted Tuesday 2 June, 2009. Updated Tuesday 2 June, 2009.
