Concrete Drops. Tuxedo Cat - Perske Pavilion. 28 Feb 2016
This is definitely the most intriguing theatre I have seen in a very long time. Unfortunately, I can tell you very little about without the risk of lessening your enjoyment of working it out for yourself. My lips are sealed. Safe to say it's a two hander, a man and a woman, and the man, in real life - Martin Dockery, wrote the one hour show, and his co-actor, Vanessa Quesnelle, was the dramaturg. The play debuted almost two years ago and has had successful touring seasons, as well as the couple's other plays.
I have never felt so off balance, so not-in-control of my understanding of what I was watching, yet by the finale, a complete, intriguing and unexpected narrative emerges, like swamp gas, and smacks you in the face so hard you may cry. The performances are acutely naturalistic helped by dialogue that is written with the exciting contemporary immediacy of Neil LaBute. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. There is a constant shift of hierarchy - probably the most important device in character relationships, the sands of time are like quicksand, and even the characters play act. Whoooo-aaaaah! Double bravo! A must see.
P.S. Due to the crappy start time of 9:45 pm, tix are often on the daily 1/2 price list.
David Grybowski
When: 25 Feb to 14 Mar
Where: Tuxedo Cat - Perske Pavilion
Bookings: adelaidefringe.com.au
