It is never easy having to care for an elderly, sick parent. Art in Motion Theatre Company presents Hopelessly Devoted, a play in which the heart of the story centres on adult siblings Amy and Andy, who care for their sick mother whilst also trying to make a life for themselves.
Set in Gosnells, Amy is the main caretaker as she stays at home looking after their sick mother full-time whilst her younger brother Andy works providing for his sister and mother. Although the mother’s illness is never specified, it is understood that she is ill and elderly.
Amy is insistent on taking care of their mother but her life is mundane with nothing much to look forward to. As a form of escape, she fantasises about her idol, Olivia Newton-John. She continuously persuades Andy to take part in role-playing in which she plays the part of Olivia Newton-John in various stages of her life. For example, in one scene plays Olivia a guest on the Parkinson show with Andy acting as the interviewer, Michael Parkinson. These little role plays are performed throughout the entire play. In between, Andy attempts to bring Amy back to reality with the possibility of moving their mother into a nursing home.
Whilst Andy is kind enough to give in to his sister’s role-playing requests, he is desperate to move on with his life and to put his plans for the future into action.
Both characters are at a transitional time in their life, but where Andy is ready and eager to embrace the future, Amy can’t let go of the past.
Humour and the popular songs of Olivia Newton-John are used to balance the serious nature of the story. Amy belts out all the Newton-John classics, Physical, Xanadu, You’re the One that I Want, Suddenly, and of course, Hopelessly Devoted to You as she dons a blonde wig, believing she’s Olivia.
The entire play is set in the living room of their modest family home in Gosnells. I found it particularly amusing that some of the references they made to Gosnells.
Keri-Rose Baker delivers a passionate performance, showing off her vocal cords playing the devoted daughter and Olivia Newton-John fan, Amy. Michael Carroll also delivers a convincing performance as the realist Andy.
Hopelessly Devoted is a funny and innovative play that will resonate with any person having to care for an elderly or sick family member and in which personal ambitions are in conflict with familial responsibilities.
Olivie Newton-John fans will love it too!
To book tickets to Hopelessly Devoted, please visit https://drpac.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/149070.
