Mrs Warren's Profession - Review

Reviewed by Regina Su
From the 14th of February until the 6th of April, the Sydney Theatre Company presents 'Mrs Warren's Profession' as part of their 2013 season, a season that has been so successful, the company has announced an extension to the program with 'Mrs Warren's Profession' now showing from the 4th to the 20th of July. I walked in as a fan of George Bernard Shaw and was not at all disappointed by this production at the wharf. Keeping with the integrity of the play the focus remained on the heavy dialogue, laden with social commentary, witticisms and explorations of capitalist values. As with any period play, audience concentration is paramount and the actors really kept the performance alive.

They mis en scene was simple, effective and perfect, for example, a set of books, a hammock and a backdrop of pink roses. This stunning beauty was illuminated by subtle lighting and contrasted as a wonderful juxtaposition to the second act. Everything on stage was used and had relevance and is a credit to the production team. The play is directed by Sarah Giles and supported by a stellar cast of notable faces, such as Simon Burke, Helen Thomson, Drew Forsythe and newcomer Lizzie Schebesca. I believe it was the calibre of performance that kept me glued to the tale, as each carried their own power and stage presence, drawing emotional connection to a story of old.

It was perhaps a bit of a risk to perform an piece with social commentary about a context that is not ours, one from 1893 to be exact. However, through the minimalist nature of the staging, costuming and continuity, the focus lay with the universal themes, for example, if one does no exploitation, yet by extension witnesses it, are they too at fault? Once the universal subtexts were highlighted and drawn out, the period play had great relevance to our audience. However, if you perchance just want to witness the humour of a great playwright and the directing from a great theatre company, I strongly recommend a night at this play. I just hope that audiences keep their minds open to deliberating a subtext, for if they do, they will surely milk more for their money.

For more information, please visit http://www.sydneytheatre.com.au/what's-on/productions/2013/mrs-warrens-profession.aspx

Interview with Sarah Giles, director of The Ugly One

Hear an amazing insight into The Ugly One. Sarah is an accomplished director, you will want to see this production after hearing this interview.

Click here to listen

(please note the link will become inactive in about 3 months time, call 02 99403649 if you would like to listen)

The Ugly One by Marius Von Mayenburg

The production brought to the stage by An Arts Radar and Griffin Independent it is a Sydney premiere. This is the last production for the year at the SBW Stables Theatre in Darlinghurst. It was a good play to finish this year, it is funny, thought provoking but above all entertaining.
It is a challenging play with actors playing more than one character, without leaving the stage. The only way you could tell was by the actors body language and acting ability. I know that some reviews had said this was confusing and I agree there were times when I couldn't quite tell who was who. I have to say it wasn't until half way through the play that I realised that the plastic surgeon and Lette's boss were two different people, however, this might not be the productions or Jo Turner's fault this could have been me just being dumb!
What is it about? It is a simple storyline. A guy, Lette (Eden Falk) can't go to a conference to present his invention because he is too ugly. The trouble is that he didn't realise he was ugly. He decides to have plastic surgery, which goes very well, too well as now all the women and men love him. The plastic surgeon is over the moon and creates more like him. So things all get a bit out of hand. Though the story is simple the underlying questions are clear, how much would you sacrifice?  And how as humans have forgotten what is important in life?  The play might make you think twice if you are considering plastic surgery.
Gig Clarke creates the surgery with just a microphone and his voice, this is very funny and makes you cringe at the same time. The scene when Lette's wife tells him that he is ugly is also very funny, but a little sad at the same time. So yes, there are quite a few emotions you go through with this play.
I am looking forward to interviewing Sarah Giles the Director on Monday on our radio show The Hubbub. The interview will be posted on this blog next week.
The show plays until 17 December, so if you want to escape the Christmas cheer head to laughter instead with The Ugly One.