or Sex, Liberty and the Automobile
"The city is fucked."
Despite lockouts and the pursuant lock down of night life in Sydney, theatre is thriving. And the latest example of excellence in Sydney independent theatre was presented to us this month in the newish smallish (previously FBi Social) indie Kings Cross Theatre.
Playwrights Daniela Giorgi and Paul Gilchrist have delivered an intensely interesting Yin and Yang combination that reaches well beyond the cursory considerations of a play about sex, liberty and the automobile.
Shut Up And Drive flows from broader and erudite philosophy and political statements to closer community in romantic notions and family relations, in an embracing rhythm, lightened at just the right instances with giggles.
"Is there a story?"
"Is there a map?"
"Is there a road sign even?"
Pulled together through the common thread of the automobile (and other modes of transport), the savvy and sentimental vignettes of Gilchrist and Giorgi finally come together at play end.
After the opening musical number, narrator Robert Roworth lends a cult-like overtone which resonates with power, his appearance interspersed throughout the play. From monologues and two actor scripts through to full ensemble scenes, the cast draws the audience into their intimacy, with on the most part outstanding (pardon the pun) nuance. Strengths and sensitivities of the opening night performance included the wistful Michael Smith, angry Tom Nauta, diverse Sam Glissan and soulful Kit Bennett.
Sydney. Not to be missed.
subtlenuance in association with bAKEHOUSE Theatre Company - shows in the stricly 18+ Sydney Kings Cross Theatre until April 23.
