The latest Theatreview Weekly includes reviews of Not Psycho, A Stage of One’s Own, and 1918.

See more recent reviews at theatreview.org, the NZ Performing Arts Review & Directory

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SWEET PHOEBE: Sour Aftertaste

The latest Theatreview Weekly includes reviews of Not Psycho, A Stage of One’s Own, and 1918.

See more recent reviews at theatreview.org, the NZ Performing Arts Review & Directory

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SWEET PHOEBE: Sour Aftertaste
The Basement Studio, Lower Greys Ave, Auckland
- reviewed by Matt Baker

In the split second between the first mention of the titular Phoebe and the reveal of who she is, there is a glimmer of hope in Michael Gow's script, but, like the rest of the play, the moment, and the opportunity, is lost to make way for pseudo-dramatic conflict and life-changing subplots, the latter of which are dropped as quickly as they're raised.

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A STAGE OF ONE’S OWN: Great contribution to ongoing conversation, experimentation, discovery, change
BATS Theatre, 1 Kent Tce, Wellington
- reviewed by Lena Fransham

If history is a monologue, then yes, it's either your voice that gets heard or mine. But if history is a conversation then it’s a lot more interesting, not to mention productive, if everyone gets to be present.

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BLACK FAGGOT: Honest, raw, energetic, thoroughly entertaining and thought-provoking
The Famous Spiegeltent, 100 Devon Street East, New Plymouth
- reviewed by Victoria Kerr

Shimpal Lelisi ... and Haanz Fa’avae-Jackson wonderfully capture myriad characters whose stories are entwined in an exhilarating mix of comedy, drama and pathos. Both actors give great performances and embody the varied characters and ages with grace, transforming from character to character fluently.

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SWEET PHOEBE: Lacking in wit, charm and humour
The Basement Studio, Lower Greys Ave, Auckland
- reviewed by Dione Joseph

Gow’s script is a product of its time. Shimmering with Pinter-esque layers and written in rapid-fire dialogue with a few navel-gazing monologues, this is a play that is quite evocative on the page. However, when taking that story to the stage, production company Both Sides Now runs into more than a few issues.

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1918: Le Moana presents 1918
Whitireia Performance Centre, 25-27 Vivian Street, Wellington
- reviewed by Niusila Faamanatu-Eteuati

There was absolute silence as the audience was moved by the first part of the concert. The traditional Samoan song played during the entrance, echoing the voices of our ancestors, brought back great memories of our forebears who have been laid in tombs. As the stage lights went off, the stern surrounding reflects the meek conformist life of our people in the past before it made much contacts with the outside world other than those of the colonisers.

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SAMARPANA - AN OFFERING THROUGH DANCE: Vivek Kinra & Mudra Dance Company in Samarpana
Whitireia Performance Centre, 25-27 Vivian Street, Wellington
- reviewed by Mona Williams

To clarify for the audience each god’s accomplishments, Vivek, prior to each dance segment, gave a masterly précis of significant details though precise mime. His actions were further explained by an accompanying voice-over commentary. Then, resplendent is sari-silk pleated, draped, multi-hued costumes; and bejewelled in ruby encrusted gold head dress, ankle bells, and red-dyed fingertips, the ladies dramatically entered against a crimson backdrop to the music of flute, voice and drums.

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SWAN LAKE - RUSSIAN NATIONAL BALLET THEATRE: A Russian thing?
Municipal Theatre, Napier
- reviewed by Kim Buckley

The costumes were detailed and beautiful. The scenery was gorgeously profiled and lake netting was stunning in its rendition. The curtain lifted on Scene Three and it was a sight to behold, with the swans, the netting, the lake, the mist... but then the dancing started.

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THE DEMOLITION OF THE CENTURY: Flamboyant, laconic, witty, wry, dark, bleak, rich
The Famous Spiegeltent, 100 Devon Street East, New Plymouth
- reviewed by Ngaire Riley

The chance to see Duncan Sarkies perform his own The Demolition of the Century at the Taranaki International Arts Festival is irresistible. Somehow I’ve missed all of Duncan Sarkies previous work, even Scarfies. Thank goodness for the opportunity to see so many great performances close to home.

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NOT PSYCHO: Expect the unexpected
Q Theatre Loft, 305 Queen St, Auckland
- reviewed by Sharu Delilkan and Tim Booth

A Benjamin Henson show is always distinctly and recognisably his, and Not Psycho is no exception. I must admit that each time I see a Henson play I realise more and more that his creative mind is that of an evil genius.

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LIVE LIVE CINEMA: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS: A hoot that appeals to everyone
TSB Showplace, New Plymouth
- reviewed by Holly Shanahan

One of the joys of the show is that… well… you don’t really know where to look! The stage itself is a jumble of odd objects, instruments and flowers (colourfully mirroring the flower shop where the film is primarily set) with the film screening above.

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NOT PSYCHO: More provoking than perfect and for the adventurous
Q Theatre Loft, 305 Queen St, Auckland
- reviewed by Vanessa Byrnes

Not Psycho is a provocative new piece of theatre from the always-fine Benjamin Henson and Fractious Tash. It has excellent production values and dances between being a thriller and horror, engaging both the sense of anticipation and the apparent actuality of violence that distinguishes the two genres.

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WINGS: Brutal, poignant, revealing
Allen Hall Theatre, University of Otago, Dunedin
- reviewed by Alison Embleton

A striking set of the inner fixtures of a car (two of the seats already occupied) greets the audience as they arrive, setting the scene for the rest of the play. The car is the constant feature that the action unfolds around, and it is clear that great attention has been paid in order to make it functional as well as visually compelling.

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See more recent reviews at theatreview.org.nz, the NZ Performing Arts Review & Directory

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