This is a thoughtful, well-wrought play that is bound to challenge,
dabbling as it does in minefields which inevitably stir passions,
suspicions, anger, fear, guilt, and most of all, doubt.
This experimental and high energy excursion into early 21st
century “popera” makes good theatre, but I can’t see it enjoying the
longevity of its generic predecessors.
Varekai opens with an explosion of colourful creatures preening
and playing in a mythical surround. It’s a world to which we are
convincingly transported for the next couple of hours.
Three plays, three authors and three directors: a worthwhile attempt to
encourage young directors by the State Theatre Company, and a worthy
celebration of the company’s 35th birthday
The story traces a
day in the life of Cat in her backyard and shows the trials and
excitement living with the other creatures there; the butterflies, a
caterpillar, frog, dog, chicken, mouse, birds and fish.
It was clear at the very first centre-stage revelation of the Dame in piquant pink to the final bow of Barry Humphries himself that we were in the presence of a master.
