Melbourne

Lizard People

Lizard People

Lizard People Rating

★★★★★

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“Lizard People” is a light-hearted comedy by writer-director-producer Laura McKenzie that pokes fun at just about anything in pop culture. The interplanetary Lizard Conglomerate are planning the destruction of humans on earth. It does this by sending individual Lizard people to take over the bodies of prominent Earth leaders for short periods of time and getting them to do dumb things that sow discord. “Divide and conquer” is part of the mantra.

But the Conglomerate, lead by a virtual Lizzo, is an authoritarian regime and Shiv, our protagonist Lizard person, doesn’t quite fit in. Despite months in a remedial “performance management program”, he continues to be fascinated by human culture and has taken up knitting, journalling, listening to Grimes and reading Malcolm Turnbull’s biography in secret. Lizzo needs to test his allegiance and sends him on a mission to embody Elon Musk and to follow orders without question. Somehow they end up in Ballarat……

The strength of this play is in the casting and the quality of the performers in the ensemble. Elliot Wood shines as Shiv and is endearingly enthusiastic in his adventurous curiosity for all things human. They are joined by Clover Blue (Tony) and Georgia Barron (Tiff) his siblings. Their banter is fun to watch and the characterisations are playful and engaging. 

The strength of this play is in the casting and the quality of the performers in the ensemble. Elliot Wood (Shiv), Clover Blue (Tony) and Georgia Barron (Tiff) are the Lizard People who are also triplets. Their sibling banter is fun to watch and the characterisations are playful and engaging.

Bridie Pamment (also assistant director) shows her comedic range as TV journalist, voice of Lizzo and Elon Musk’s partner, Grimes. In the human world, Blue and Barron also play childhood friends from Ballarat who are now sharing a house. There’s a lovely chemistry in their relationship.

Each actor is a pleasure to watch, as individuals and as ensemble members, fully at home on stage and in each character they played. I would love to see more of them!

 

Lizard People
Lizard People
Lizard People

There is a multi-media element to the show, with film projections by Park Avenue Media supporting scenes and scene changes. Shiv’s transformations from Lizard to human and back were filmed and feature Wood’s movement skills. The set (Jessamine Moffett) and costume changes were minimal and therefore highly effective for the fast-paced scene changes which were well supported by light (Kate Kelly) and sound (Olivia McKenna) design. The montage scene showing Elon, Grimes, Maz and Spider bonding as housemates brought all these elements together really well.

There was a light skimming over a lot of interesting ideas such as the nature of humanity, of power, of evil vs good, dictatorship vs democracy, romantic vs sibling love, poor vs rich, curiosity vs compliance. I would love to see a film version of this where some themes are explored more deeply and the stakes are higher for all involved.

But in the meantime, enjoy the fun of “Lizard People” playing at the Meat Market Stables till October 21!

For tickets, book @ https://melbournefringe.com.au/event/lizard-people/

For further information about Laura McKenzie, please check: https://www.lauramckenzie.site/

Photography: Tom Noble

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Eucalyptus: The Opera

Eucalyptus: The Opera

Eucalyptus: The Opera Rating

★★★★★

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A beautifully fluid and enchanting story is what first comes to my mind in sitting to write this review on the new EUCALYPTUS: THE OPERA

I must mention firstly that I am new to ‘opera’ productions this being my first one other than ‘Phantom’, so in having love for all things in the Arts, I quickly put my hand up to go and experience one of the oldest art forms on stage. It is a work in music of course, its true meaning, however I am quick to learn it is not just music and song that encompasses this magic, it is the combination of visual art, drama and in today’s age lighting and a set kept simple yet very effective.

Dreamy ‘Ellen’ played by the exceptional Desiree Frahn, whom I could listen to sing all day, is the daughter of strict parent ‘Holland’ played by the well-versed talents of Simon Meadows with an incredible supporting cast. Both of these characters the centre of the bestseller Australian novel, ‘Eucalyptus’ by Murray Bail, are brought to life at the beautiful Palais Theatre which could not be a more suitable venue coming from the era of yesteryear in which the story takes place. A story of a father only wanting the best husband for his daughter, but in deciding this ‘for her’ will he take it a touch too far?

When news gets out around the world that Holland will marry off his daughter to the man who can ‘name’ all his beloved trees planted in memory of Ellen’s deceased mother, and also as a barrier to help keep his daughter safe, the haven perhaps becomes more like a prison of leafy wonder depicted on stunning fabric panels before the audience. No matter which way we look, the branches all line up perfectly and with the talent in front of us, we never actually notice the main scene board changing from a train station to a town to a house and more, but it does and when Ellen stands in front of an expected storm I swear the theatre now also smells of rain; my imagination in being drawn into the story or real, I’m still not sure.

 

Eucalyptus: The Opera
Eucalyptus: The Opera

A couple of favourites in the cast are surely the ‘Sprunt Sisters’ played by Natalie Jones and Dimity Shepherd, they are quirky fun, totally believable and bring the giggles!

‘Mr Cave’ played by Samuel Dundas, the suitor from far away looking to name all those trees has to have a magnificent memory to sing of so many ‘botanical’ titles, and, ‘The Stranger’ played by Michael Petruccelli for whom Ellen is transfixed on as her partner to be, instead of her father’s choice, is every bit the traditional rugged Heart-of-Australia bushman, Akubra hat and swag carry in tow.

The opera is sung in English as it is totally an Australian piece. Where else would you hear words such as ‘blokes’ and ‘boiling a billy’ sung in an Opera? The words are also scripted on side screens so you won’t lose track of the story at all. You can read along if you need to without losing focus on anything that’s also happening on the stage.

I’m expecting toward the end that opera is not unlike the ballet and that tragedy may be ahead, but could I be wrong? You will need to go and see for yourself if it’s the Stranger who will sing his way with stories into Ellen’s heart or the clever Mr Cave…

As a first time visit to an opera, I recommend EUCALYPTUS: THE OPERA highly. I love anything that takes us back into times gone by and the fact that it is Australian makes the production extra special. Full of powerful emotion heard from the music in each mood and powerful voices to accompany that are everything from soft and featherlike to daunting and explosively expressive, the experience is something I will surely never forget.

Thank you to the wonderful creative team, the amazing orchestra and talented cast for making this a very memorable outing I shall always be grateful for in my first experience of live opera.

Playing at The Palais in St Kilda 16-19 October 2024. I recommend paying for parking near the theatre and booking premium seats, which is what we had and were unbeatable value.

Ticket link: https://www.palaistheatre.com.au/all-events/eucalyptus-tickets-ae1448575

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The Milky Way Film Review

The Milky Way

The Milky Way Rating

★★★★★

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The Milky Way, the creation of multi-talented Israeli director, writer and editor Maya Kenig is a thought-provoking story with a hint of dystopia surrounding two young mothers and their newborn babies.

Although both women live very different lives, Tala a single mum and struggling indie musician, and Nili, a wealthy married housewife, their desperation for wanting the best for their own child leads them to consciously choosing to have each other in their lives.

When Tala accepts a job at a breast milk production company called The Milky Way, she sees it as an easy way to make money. The women who work there are required to pump milk in their plush cubicles fitted with pumping equipment, a comfortable reclining armchair, and a screen showing images of their babies and much like dairy cows, uninterrupted views of the green paddock.

The job is portrayed like any other regular job where the employees have lunch breaks, must seek approval of management if they need to take time off, and are reprimanded for breaking the rules. It doesn’t take too long for the feisty and head strong Tala to start breaking the rules.

 

The Milky Way
The Milky Way

Curiosity gets the better out of Tala, played by real life musician, Hila Rauch, when she hitches a ride with a milkman on his way to do his rounds and discovers that one of the homes he is dropping off milk is the home of the woman who is receiving her breast milk, Nili, played by Hadas Yaron. Wanting to know more about this woman, Tala sneaks into the house and hides herself. She manages to escape but fate brings her back to Nili when she realises she has left her phone in Nili’s house.

Nili eventually finds out that she has been the recipient of Tala’s milk but her paranoia steers her to making a proposal too good for Tala to refuse, especially given Tala’s precarious situation at that time.

The women form a friendship and bond over motherhood but there’s always an imbalance of power that looms in the background of their friendship. That imbalance of power comes to light when Tala crosses a line with Nili and is forced reflect on whether she is giving more of herself away than just her milk.

The film touches on ethical and moral issues in an entertaining manner without it being so obvious. The exploitation of vulnerable lower income mothers, the judgment women face for not breast feeding are just a few.

More strongly targeted at women, this is a film any woman will find engrossing whether they’re a mother or not.

To book tickets to this or other films click https://www.jiff.com.au/

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Diane Warren Relentless: Eccentric Honest and Real

Diane Warren: Relentless

Diane Warren: Relentless Rating

★★★★★

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“Diane Warren: Relentless” is a documentary that portrays the making of one of the world’s most successful songwriters. A Golden Globe, Oscar and Grammy winner, this film is an honest and well portrayed depiction of how Diane struggled, grew, and achieved as an artist, publisher and relentless business owner. With her music catalogue worth over a billion dollars and having worked with more than 450 recording artists, it is clear that Diane has more than earned the spotlight in this feature.

Following Diane around the landmarks of her childhood and young adult life, we see a highly creative and possibly rebellious personality and how Diane struggles with the ebbs and flows of their music career. From her early years, writing songs in the bathroom of her family home, to negotiating contracts with Cher, Lady Gaga, Aerosmith, Beyonce and many, many more.

The film highlighted various accounts from friends and colleagues who colourfully expressed their connection with and love for Diane, while painting a clearer picture of who she is as a songwriting professional, cat lover and friend. It was a great tool for storytelling and a good way to have the viewer connect with the subject.

When it comes to the film quality and direction, the intent within the expression was clear. Photography and short clips from Diane’s life opened a window into the creative process, the effort that was made and the personalities that shone through them. Capturing treasured moments in the creative process and the interactions between Diane and the recording artists she worked with were highlights, along with Diane’s direct accounts of the many conversations she had with them about her songs.

 

Diane Warren: Relentless
Diane Warren: Relentless

The one critique I do have, are some of the camera angles and methods used. I would have liked to see more creative shots that help capture any emotion or serious moments. Due some of the themes requiring more care and sensitivity, having that reflected in the camera direction would have helped, rather than distracted. The changing of shots were sometimes a bit too slow or were not straight enough with took away from the possible desired effect. While I agree that having someone walking around with the camera can feel more family orientated and homemade films have a sentimental nature, I found myself thinking about the camera instability each time it occurred, rather than focusing on the content.

Overall, this film was a combination of good story telling, highlighted testimonies and offered Diane genuine love and support that is well deserved. The behind the scenes accounts pulled it all together to create a piece that helped to show music history in the making.

To book tickets to this or other films click https://www.jiff.com.au/

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