Sydney Reviews

When post and version 1.0 combined for this happy theatrical twin pack, there was the sight of political and performative bedfellows getting into bed. Both are exuberant companies with an alternative zeal, and combining mass brain power on a no-brainer like the GFC is a winning formula. In the tiny downstairs Belvoir Theatre they give life to cheeky, political drama with, in post’s case, a diabolically funny and absurdist slant.

Both shows essentially cover the same territory; the fog of confusion that surrounded the GFC and the response of the average Australian punter. post are deliberately provocative about their complete lack of knowledge, stating upfront that they have no special insight, credibility or interest in understanding the technical mechanisms of free market failure. They nevertheless invite the audience to embark with them on an hour long lecture with liberal use of blackboards, champagne, pop culture and Venn diagrams to outline what they think it might have been happening. Both shows are liberal in their comments on excess with tacky costumes and champagne the signifiers of that grotesque consumption.

Version 1.0 are a little less successful in their exploration of the GFC, despite the calibre of actors. There is a tendency to fall back on gesture and mimicry to convey emotionality. The overwhelming sense is that the performers don’t really care about the GFC which contributes to an absence of passion in their performance. post successfully exploited this lack of care/knowledge and interest by unashamedly incorporating it into the fibre of their show. Their brand of absurdism pays oblique homage to The Sydney Front and is the fruition of PACT Theatre’s painstaking development of young performers. The best pay off from this collaboration is the happy marriage of two of Sydney’s genuinely innovative and fearless small companies. The second best thing is that they have found themselves in the experimental environment of downstairs Belvoir where resources, ideas and support are available along with an audience, willing consumers of the best of Sydney satire.


Version 1.0 in association with B Sharp present
A Distressing Scenario
A double bill by post and version 1.0

Part 1: Everything I Know About The Global Financial Crisis In One Hour by Post
Part 2: The Market Is Not Functioning Properly by Version 1.0

Venue: Belvoir St Downstairs Theatre | 25 Belvoir St, Surry Hills
Dates: 25 November – 19 December 2010
Times: Tues 7Pm, Wed-Sat 8.15Pm, Sun 5.15Pm
Tickets: $32/$24 (Preview $20, Cheap Tues Pay-What-You-Can, Min. $12)
Bookings: 9699 3444 | www.belvoir.com.au