Cats in the Cupboard Productions have magnificently presented an Australian debut of This Restless House at Newcastle’s Civic Theatre Playhouse. This award-winning production written by British playwright Zinnie Harris is a reimagining of the ancient Greek tragedies originally written by Aeschylus in the 5th century BC. In true Greek tragedy style, the heart-wrenching plot is fuelled with murder, revenge and sacrifice.
From the moment I entered, I was captivated by the three Fates characters played by Elen Attard, Kira Woods and Ryan Gladman who sat aesthetically mounted on a peak of stacked crates, blowing bubbles. The dynamic trio’s sensational costumes, hair and makeup and overall mystical presence was commanding throughout. They worked together in a somewhat chorus-like manner with dialogue, actions and singing in well-rehearsed unison. Mikaela Corrigan’s choreography for the Fates was excellent, and I also thoroughly enjoyed her choreography for Orestes, played by Ronan Myatt-Kane. Nicholas Pavan’s choreographed comedic dance scene, including suave and stylish disco moves, brought the house down.
Nicholas Pavan also expertly doubled as the lovestruck Watchman and then Michael- the head doctor in the psychiatric unit. Nicholas’ outrageous adult scene with Ianthe, played by Liz Vassilacos, showed commendable skill and dedication. Liz Vassilacos, as Audrey, showed remarkable depth in her contrasting role as a psychiatrist. Her character’s plummet into the abyss of somber paranoia was portrayed exquisitely.
Agamemnon, played by Benjamin Louttit, shattered the audience in his explosive opening scene with his daughter Iphigenia (delivered by Stephanie Lee.) I can still hear Stephanie’s blood-curdling screams and feel Benjamin’s angst and sorrowful heartbreak as he sacrifices his daughter.
This harrowing scene, like other intense moments, was amplified by the disturbing, eerie soundtrack and exemplary lighting techniques. The soundtrack utilised subliminal messages and wormed its way supernaturally through my veins; at times resting, then pumping to the brink of nausea. The lighting provided a perfect companion to the sound and action with stellar use of colours mirroring themes. The strobe lighting intensified the stage horror and overloaded my senses.
Claudia Bedford engaged the audience as the enraged queen Clytemnestra. Driven to drink and a steep decline in her humanity after her husband’s great betrayal and tragic loss of her young daughter, Claudia delivered this spiralling character with great power and gust. Claudia’s torturous scene with Lily Cox as Cassandra similarly impaled the horrified audience. Lily’s severed tongue scene was grotesque, gut-wrenching and brilliantly delivered.
The unfortunate Butcher, essentially Clytemnestra’s henchman, was portrayed by Dean Nash. Dean’s performance was sincere throughout and flawlessly demonstrated his conflict with duty and personal ethics. His anguish was clearly visible performing his Queen’s unholy demands.
Ruby Page ignited the stage as Electra—the neglected, tormented daughter who develops a thirst for justice after reuniting with her brother Orestes. The pair fan each other’s fury towards their mother, leading to an explosive vengeance. Ruby’s character transformation throughout was remarkable. Electra, initially a neglected child, develops into a vengeful teen and then rendered engulfed with regret and traumatised.
Cats In The Cupboard have shown a most admirable commitment to sustainability by handcrafting most of their brilliant costumes. Creatively sourcing second-hand items and repurposing them into unimaginable sparkling splendour. I loved all the bling, glitter, and boldness of the costumes. In particular, the costumes of Aegisthus, played by Justin Rose, were absolutely dazzling as was his performance, and the plentiful costume changes kept things continuously visually striking.
This Restless House whisked the audience away into an experience that will linger on. Mikaela Corrigan’s direction of this incredibly talented cast and production team is absolutely stupendous. The meticulous attention to the lighting, costumes, hair and makeup and soundtrack was professional in every aspect. The innovative use of many levels and spaces utilised the small theatre in such a way that gave the clever illusion of being worlds larger. This Restless House was without doubt one of the most impactful and magnificent plays I have seen…ever! Boldly unique, utterly harrowing at times and ever-fast, brilliant.
To book tickets to This Restless House , please visit https://civictheatrenewcastle.com.au/what-s-on/all-shows/this-restless-house.
