‘This World Is Yours’ is a play with a clever and unusual storyline, slickly presented. The director, Bec Fingher and Sian Murphy set the structure, and the actors then contributed their ideas to this devised piece for adults.
This Perth Fringe 2018 production is presented by a WA group, the Red Brick Road Theatre Company (mainly ex-WAAPA), who are a new theatre company of emerging artists. They aim to ‘explore the big things in unique and engaging styles’.
It can be seen at the New Hayman Theatre, part of Curtin Theatre Arts, at Building 302. Enter Curtin University from Manning Road, past CSIRO; turn right onto Brand Road – the ring road – and park in the last section of Car park 9. There are signposts to the venue on the pathway opposite the car park. Easier than it sounds.
The 70-minute performances are at 6.30 on Friday and Monday evenings, and at 8.30 on Wednesdays and on the final night Friday 16th February.
Stephen Carr supervised the installation of Phoebe Pilcher’s lighting design. Three Curtin Theatre students – one each night – operate the sound and lighting equipment. The operators are Calum Christie, Sarah Connolly, and Kieran Trembath.
The set. Rear wall and wings, black drapes. There were several black 50 cms cubes used as seats.
Four people, all dressed in black shorts and white sweatshirts, explain how with clever use of science, they have managed to avoid the first 18 years of life… that being a time of school bullying, and tough parenting. Jen (Jen Pegg) explains what a relief this would have been to her.
When Charlie (Ellie Orr) is born, she has an adult body, but no physical or social skills. Slowly and painfully, Bella (Sam Horton) and Jono (Jono Battista) teach Charlie the ways of the world, and how to blend into society. However, Lawrence (Lawrence Murphy) shows her the temptations in life.
This play was inventive, skilfully written, and well-produced. The characters – and most actors had more than one part (changing sweatshirt colour to signify a different character) – kept the pace going beautifully. The fast moving, flawless dialogue held everyone’s attention, as the audience became involved in Charlie’s induction.
The dialogue was often accompanied by clever choreography and body movement, in perfect unison.
Quite a few laughs in this dark comedy, with sad undertones. Highly recommended.