Windmill Theatre. Space Theatre. 2 Mar 2014.
Fugitive is the first work created in Windmill's trilogy of plays concerning the awkwardness and fascination to be found betwixt childhood and adulthood. While mainly playwright Matthew Whittet's take on things, director Rosemary Myers explains in the notes that the productions result from a multi-year collaboration of a group of artists.
Fugitive was produced first, School Dance second and Girl Asleep third. I saw the acclaimed School Dance in the 2012 Festival and thought it was a wonderful piece of work; it is reprised in this Festival. I have yet to pass judgment on Girl Asleep, but Fugitive seems an immature first go compared to the more accomplished School Dance.
The healthy bones of creativity and surprise, the fast paced action, the vignettes of teenage angst and ecstasy are all there but they are more jumbled and disconnected within a fantasy plot leaving a lot of unanswered questions that even all the theatrical technical magic can't patch over. What was in our hero's, Robin's, back pack that stunned the Sherriff's moth-ridden Star Wars-like storm troopers? The only thing I had in my back pack in high school was last week's lunch, so maybe that was it. Why wasn't a single other character curious enough to ask? Why did Robin disappear and why did he come back? At least somebody asked the latter question. Why did Robin have such a rage that his Robin Hood-like good deeds were offset by his violence, bullying and thuggery? What was the purpose of the white knight? Do plays with heroes and nerds perpetuate this type-casting in the school yard?
The performances were highly energetic, almost frenetic. Patrick Graham has a mischievous comic style with huge stage presence. There are marvelous surprising production moments generated by a host of creative contributors; but if you ask me, skip this show and see School Dance if you haven't done so already.
David Grybowski
When: 3 to 9 Mar
Where: Space Theatre
Bookings: adelaidefestival.com.au
