| The Narcissist | La Boite Theatre Company |
| Written by Erin White |
| Sunday, 04 March 2007 15:56 |
 It
is not often that one gets to see good theatre that is delightfully
original and specifically fashioned for the audience who will receive
it. Often it seems plays are written out of the
playwright’s desire to express his/her opinions on the world; or
performances are designed to explore a concept or particular theme. While there is some evidence of this occurring in La Boite’s The Narcissist,
this commissioned play by Stephen Carleton is almost constitutional: it
is a play by the people, for the people, and about the people. No ifs, buts or maybes, this play is vainly and unashamedly Brisbane. It is pure self-indulgence, and it feels good. “It’s all about me!”Stephen Carleton’s The Narcissist is all about Xavier (played by the compelling Sandro Colarelli). Xavier, an ALP marketing expert, and his best friend and interior designer Bronwyn (played by the equally enchanting Andrea Moor) place a bet – who can be the first to bag a husband by New Years Eve. Enter Xavier’s blast from the past ex-boyfriend Jesse (Scott Parmeter) with his new and innocent fiancée Y’landah (Judy Hainsworth), along with Xavier’s extra-sensitive metrosexual housemate Satchel (Jonathon Brand) and suddenly the competition is warming up. In a game of lies versus almost truths, cover-ups and scandals abound. This cunning, witty and flamboyant play is like a mirror into contemporary society – politically astute and morally ambiguous, and yet you can’t help but think how good you look. The atmosphere of the Roundhouse Theatre is luscious. With black leather couches and designer cocktails, the set depicts Xavier as materialistic and highly fashionable. Upon his entrance, the audience knows that their presumptions were correct. Carleton’s choice to use farce as his form was perfect. His vain, irrational, secretive characters; his ridiculous situations; and the quick and witty wordplay, are all used perfectly to convey the conceited view of modern society, and the actors are well adjusted to the task. Where in typical farce, the protagonist is usually presented sympathetically, The Narcissist presents Xavier relentlessly – showing his faults and failures as his good qualities. Xavier is a consistent liar, yet without his lying, manipulating and patronising ways, he ceases to be true to himself. Xavier is the ultimate extreme version of ourselves – we only take action if it benefits us individually. Even down to the narration technique that Carleton employs, Xavier is proven to love the sound of his own voice. While at times these moments seem corny and unreal, it doesn’t take away from the overall feel of the play, for we are set up from the start to expect over-the-top, glitzy behaviour. The stunning rendition of The Divinyl’s “I Touch Myself” creates the impeccable and humorous conclusion for The Narcissist. In keeping with La Boite’s credo to create high quality, contemporary Australian theatre, The Narcissist is literally set here and now – in 2007 in New Farm (an inner-city Brisbane suburb). As such, it pokes fun at contemporary Australian issues, feeling no need to shy away from issues such as gay relationships, commercial religions, political inconsistencies and Big Brother idiocies. It includes such intricate details of the Brisbane lifestyle that it feels like a conversation you have with your own friends: jokes about the new Gallery of Modern Art or the Wickham nightclub that only Brisbanites would understand. Yet therein lies perhaps the downfall of this play. While it will rate outstandingly in Brisbane, it may not have the same success in places like Sydney or even Rockhampton. The play is designed so specifically for a Brisbane audience, that it has created its own very exclusive market. The Narcissist is good contemporary theatre. It achieves what most plays forget – relativity with its audience. It is refreshing to find that Brisbane can both create and be central to good theatre. As a citizen of Brisbane, one often feels overlooked when it comes to what is considered as being good Australian theatre. The Narcissist stands up to this stereotype and defends Brisbane’s right to be part of the theatrical community. Funny, charming and clever, The Narcissist is a must-see for all Brisbanites. Hopefully the rest of the country will feel the same. La Boite Theatre Company presents The Narcissist By Stephen Carleton Venue: Roundhouse Theatre Dates: 1 – 17 March 2007 PLEASE NOTE: Season Extended until 24 March Times: Tue & Wed 6.30pm, Thu-Sat 8pm Opening Night: 1 March 8pm. Matinees: Wed 28 February, Tue 6 & 13 March 11am, Sat 17 March 2pm. After Show Discussion - 9 March Tickets: $22 - $55 | Group Discounts: $35 for 10+, $19 for school groups. Booking fees apply Bookings/Info: www.laboite.com.au
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Comments (9)Subscribe to this comment's feed...
This production was excellent i enjoyed it greatly and this reviews sums up all my ideas and its great
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March 19, 2007
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I thought the play was one of the best i have seen. Many quick funny one-liners kept the pace and action happening.
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April 14, 2007
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the play was alright it was good in the first act but then it just died all the comedy was the same crap over and over
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April 19, 2007
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this play is alrite and suits a number of audiences this however can be a problem to the adolescent audiences because with references to politics and religion and other such issues wich adolescents dont know much about nor really find any humor or comedic value to these particualar topics. however this play is a good play because it does cover alot of themes and issues and just about everyone can find a peice of it they enjoy.
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April 30, 2007
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I saw it today, and it was spectacular, i didn't leave the edge of my seat until after interval at which point i was thrown right back to the edge after the first 5 minute's. Amazing work, good strong cast, Great work
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August 06, 2008
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just got home from it and thought it was awesome. the rest of my drama class that i saw it with thought the same. i would definitely see it again.
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August 12, 2008
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