Every now and then you see a show that
stays with you long after the final curtain, still percolating in
your mind as you turn off the light and go to sleep. Simon Oats'
one-man showOrpheus at the Lithuanian Club in North
Melbourne is one of these.
The story of Orpheus' journey to the
underworld to bring back his dead lover Eurydice is one that has been
told often. But has it ever been told so powerfully, so beautifully,
so poignantly as it is by Simon Oats?
From the moment Oats first sets his
foot on the stage, with his electric guitar slung over his shoulder,
his eyes looking directly at his audience, I am enraptured. He has my
full attention and I remain riveted, totally immersed in his
performance, until the end.
Simon Oats is a masterful storyteller.
Using an intelligent combination of narrative and song, he takes us
right into the heart and mind of Orpheus as he experiences the
ecstasy of love, the anguish of loss and his extraordinary
determination to bring his lover back from the dead. We are taken on
a vivid journey with him to the underworld, meeting other characters
along the way: one very horny goat-man; the wickedly funny ferryman;
a rather poised Hades and his lovely wife Persephone. This talented
actor/singer/songwriter mixes a fabulous blend of comedy, sex and
passionate emotion on this trip, and what a trip!
Oats slips effortlessly between his
characters and himself as narrator. His songs are cleverly written,
entertaining and often moving. His "Ferryman" delivers a
very witty rap that is just one of the many highlights, as is the
no-holds-barred sexually aroused goat-man (don't take the kids!) But
it is as Orpheus that Oats really moves the audience. His singing is
reminiscent of Jeff Buckley in the rawness of its emotion. It is
truly moving, particularly when Orpheus sings of his love for
Eurydice, persuading Persephone and Hades to let her return to the
world with her lover.
Oats is a very focused performer but he
never forgets his audience. He is, after all, telling us a story. The
houselights remain on throughout as he keeps eye contact with us all.
The venue is small and intimate. It's just Oats and his electric
guitar and his extraordinary storytelling skills. Amazing. Do NOT
miss this show.
Simon Oats presents Orpheus
Venue: The Son of Loft, Lithuanian Club Dates: 26 Sept - 11 Oct 2008 Times: 7:45pm Tuesday - Saturday; 6:45pm Sundays Excluding Monday Tickets: Conc $12.00, Full $16.00, Group $12.00, Tightarse Tues $10.00 Bookings: Festival Tix: 03 9660 9666 or www.melbournefringe.com.au
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Every now and then you see a show that
stays with you long after the final curtain, still percolating in
your mind as you turn off the light and go to sleep. Simon Oats'
one-man show Orpheus at the Lithuanian Club in North
Melbourne is one of these.
