GORGE '09 - GREEN ROOM REVIEW 1ST DAY

by Chloe Truehl

I had no idea what to expect from gOrge ’09. I walked in with a relatively open mind to watch the controversial Conflict under an Australian Quilt and left dreaming of the possibilities of what theatre could become.

gOrge ’09 was a feast for my senses. For a moment I felt like I was in Vegas. The set was almost as elaborate as the blonde contentious MC who was singing her philosophy through hilarious Australiana medleys. Through strategically placed question and answer times, the evening tackled relevant themes of prejudice and ethnocentric attitudes. I learnt more than attending my global sociology class and laughed more than watching my weekly sitcom; an incredible balance of thought provoking issues and absurdity.

Two performance companies debuted their own interpretations of the script. Both presented polar extremes, which dually shocked and brought delight to writer and audience alike. The performances were of a surprisingly high standard considering the dancers and actors were only given 40 rehearsal hours before show time. The music, movement and dialogue all challenged me to push the boundaries of what I think theatre is and consequently who it is for.

Every aspect of the evening was engOrging on the ordinary and I was grateful not to be watching the play next door which put my mother to sleep.

Thurs 19 Nov 2009