As someone who has a love for the unusual (think Black Mirror, Supernatural, The X-Files), when this show landed in my inbox, I immediately jumped at the chance to see it. A Twist of Fate was advertised as ‘4 short plays, 4 devastating twists’ and I ouldn’t help but wonder if this series of plays lives up to the shows I so loved? Shows that provided such comfort to my younger self?
So, entering the Motley Bauhaus, surrounded by bricks and nestled in an old theatre seat far comfier than those of today, I waited. And in succession I watched Bestow, Mr Moore Wants Less, Mr Id and Possession.
Each of these plays made me either cackle in delight, widen my eyes or, pleasantly, a mixture of both!
Bestow had an infectious sense of comedy, of power, of understanding how to mix both the unusual and the highly relatable into one. I saw myself in all the characters and was totally hooked through each scare and each comedic beat.
Mr Id had more energy than a toddler after 3 lolly bags and I must give a commendation to Liliana Braumberger who played the title character for solidly keeping this energy. This was a play of moral dilemmas, sponsorships (that became increasingly more silly) and heart.
Possession was both innocent and curious, in a way that makes you almost feel pity for the title character. This is, of course, until the end twist. I swear I heard jaws drop to the floor and I really commend Kate Weston on holding the stage presence of the most delightful (and perhaps most twisted) little girl I have ever seen.
However, my favourite of the plays was Mr Moore Wants Less. Each scene, each character, each ridiculous scenario knew how wild it was and revelled in it. It also caused me to think, in the best way possible and genuinely felt both heartwarming and completely bonkers. This is one of my favourite combinations and was beautifully presented on stage.
As the Producer of Scary Goats Theatre, Chloe Towan played host to this tremendous piece of stage work. Towan was invested, intrigued and played the perfect disturbing narrator. It’s also a delight to see a company that works with many people in many roles. No-one really wears one hat. Each person played a significant role (if not multiple roles) in putting on a show that was unsettling, thought provoking and giggle-inducing in writing, acting, directing and more.
This show created not only a sense of community, but also a sense of beauty. And if this is the future of Melbourne Independent Theatre, then I cannot wait to see more. This show knew what it was, how to deliver and how to make the most fun out of it all. So, did it meet my expectations? No, it fully exceeded them. And maybe, just maybe that’s my own Twist of Fate….
To book tickets to A Twist of Fate, please visit https://linktr.ee/scarygoatstheatre.
Photographer: Kieran McNamara
