theatre review: the eisteddfod by lally katz
Word from the wise: don’t spend those extra few minutes in front of a large screen in Rundle Mall when you’re only presuming to know where a theatre is. You may catch a glimpse of Kate Middleton’s dress before you dash off, but you’ll also realise you don’t actually know where you’re going and have to partake in a sort of awkward jog to reach said theatre on time, making you sweaty and breathless by the time you get there. However, if you do make this mistake, don’t be afraid of the run; your energy expenditure will be worth it.
Directed by Corey McMahon and presented by five.point.one, The Eisteddfod by Lally Katz follows the lives of two siblings, Gerture (Kate Roxby) and Abalone (Brad Williams). Opening with narration by playwright Katz (voiced by Emma Beech), we are introduced to the siblings and their lives: the imaginary worlds they create as children to stave off boredom, the death of their parents and Abalone’s continual obsession with eisteddfods, a competitive talent show.
Katz’s narration indicates that these siblings are definitely only characters, with their actions merely a creation of her imagination; there isn’t really ever the pretext that this is a literal representation of childhood. However, this makes the story and the characters all the more interesting. Roxby’s Gerture retains her wispy, childish voice throughout, which serves to emphasise her eventual empowerment. Williams injects an abounding energy and an immature spite into Abalone, reflecting the sibling rivalry present between two young people.
The characters’ youthfulness is emphasised in Cassandra Backler’s set, with small plastic chairs and toys suspended from the walls. Her use of a paper-covered wooden framework to edge the stage also creates a sense of the confinement which aggravates Gerture and Abalone’s loneliness. Ben Flett’s lighting utilises this design to great effect, projecting spotlights through the paper and silhouetting the framework with coloured washes to emphasise significant moments.
The Bakehouse will snag you with its charm, and it won’t be the only attraction. Roxby and Williams are captivating under McMahon’s direction, and Katz’s script balances the drama of growing up with a playful humour. The Eisteddfod is an intricate story deftly told and an excitingly unpredictable production.
The Eisteddfod is showing at the Bakehouse Theatre from April 29 to 14 May. Tickets from $12 from the Bakehouse Theatre website. Show runs for approximately one hour.
(Images credit: Ben Flett.)
