‘Sunday Night at the Hayman’ is bargain night with two short plays for $10.
The curtain goes up on the hour and a half shows at 7.00 pm each term time Sunday. The theatre is in building 302 on the Curtin University campus. To reach it, turn off Manning Road in Bentley and turn right at the roundabout, follow the road (parallel to Hayman Road) for a kilometre to near the old bus station. Follow the illuminated cones for 200 metres to the theatre.
‘Lore-dy Me – Rugululee’ is an enchanted play written by Curtin Theatre student Keiran Trembath.
The Scene: A woodland picnic area.
The Set: designed by T. Mutta Beilby, comprised four potted indoor palm trees and light-hearted, projected images of two crayon artworks by a 5 yrs. old, depicting a wood scene. Later props included a table with two quality dining chairs, a regal throne and a granite rock. Props by Isobel McWilliams.
The simple sound design was by Sarah Connelly and the lighting was by Calum Christie.
Stage managers Travis Koch, Clarissa Lee and Matt Jones. Wow that was some mist effect!
Evalyn (Mikayla Fanto) was out for a simple walk, only to find that she was being stalked by Ross (Thomas Bach) an adoring fan, to avoid him she took shelter in a cave. Deciding to explore the cavern she met a Queen like authority figure, Abyss (Lauren Trench). This lonely Goddess decided to keep Evalyn for herself and instructed her servant Gwendoline (Alex Cload) to care for the visitor. As a rapport was developing a warrior, Sterance (Max Viazzo) arrived and the whole scene changed.
The costumes by Jatin Poonia showed thought. The ‘Queen’ wore a business suit and Sterance a Roman warrior tabard.
Directed by Keiran Trembath with dramaturg by Matthew Arnold. This play is about tension and fear, but the play’s pace ambled along not really creating either. The action and interest only came alive with the arrival of Sterance. The dialogue was poorly constructed, with around twenty ‘*ucks’ before the middle of the play. This word should be used for effect, not simply used as an adjective or casual exclamation.
The acting was generally good, but I could see the actors wanted something meatier to get their teeth into; they were forced into Vegetarianism. There were several very good twists that had huge potential but died in the bud. This a good idea and is worth developing.
‘Insomnia’ is a tense, well-written play by Curtin student Jack Blumer. I suspect that Jack has workshopped this or listened to suggestions from the cast. Sadly, too often authors are precious and insist on their writings being left pure – and second rate. Well done.
The Scene: a young girl’s bedroom.
The Set: designed by Alex Cload with Props by Loren Marshall
The lighting effects by Jade Woodhouse were creepy. Soundscape was threatening and exciting, well done Jonathan Hoey. Stage manager Gabi Munro, deputy stage manager Mikayla Fanto.
Young Lucy (Dominique Duvall) is lying in bed, eyes closed listening to music on her iPhone. A man’s hand, that of Nameless (Taylor ‘Mutta’ Beilby) comes from under the bed and moves up towards Lucy. Her phone crashes to the floor, when she bends down to retrieve the ‘phone she dragged under the bed. A night of terror begins.
As Lucy wanders in this frightening new world she is followed by two raggedly dressed gremlins, Reed (Sacha Emeljamow) and Eli (Tiahna McBride) who are trying to befriend her. Petrified by these scallywags Lucy is relieved to meet a normal girl Adrian (Kailea Porter) who will help her escape.
Hetty Lobegeiger’s costumes are repulsive – just what was required. With the scruffy imps and Nameless’s semi-skull mask, disturbing.
Directed by Jack Blumer and Laura Davenport the actors were great. They created fear and even broke the fourth wall by seeking the audience’s support. Some clever ideas. A well-executed play.