To adapt a novel for the stage, set up a theatre company to produce it, direct it and perform in it, all by the age of 17, is quite an achievement. For that production to be on its second sell out season is further evidence of the talent that Zoe Muller has for the arts and a wonderful example of some of the outstanding emerging artists we have in South Australia. Puberty Blues is the iconic coming of age story following the lives of two teenage girls, Debbie and Sue, as they try to get into the coolest Greenhills Surfer gang in the 1970’s. It is a raw, disturbing and honest portrayal of adolescence with hard hitting themes of sexism, abuse and the struggle of fitting in. As Debbie, Muller proves a confident and believable performer who clearly develops the character as her maturity develops throughout the piece. For someone so young, she portrays the conflicting emotions and angst well enough to remind anyone who was once a teenage girl how difficult it was and I felt a palpable relief that she (and I) emerged relatively unscathed. Matilda Butler was also a standout displaying some wonderful emotion in arguably the most challenging role. Brad McCarthy is natural and appealing as the ‘nice’ boy on the fringe of the group, Gary. Equally able was Henry Solomon as the nasty protagonist Danny. Solomon generated appropriate loathing from the audience at his repugnant sexism, brutality and dominance over his girlfriend Sue. More difficult was getting that same audience to appreciate the vulnerability of the character and the confusion and despair at the consequences of his behaviour. Solomon depicted this admirably. The ensemble had varying involvement and all delivered good performances. Notably Ella Buckingham as Vicky, made me want to slap her at points and bring her to her senses. Well played. The set was minimalist to the point of being almost non-existent. The varying locations of the scenes make it difficult but I feel this is one area where advice from someone with greater experience would have resulted in better definition between scenes and visual interest. This is good theatre and Deadset Theatre and all involved should be very proud of what they have achieved. I encourage our theatre community to support young companies like this, recognise that they are filling a void by providing roles for young adults and bringing new work to Adelaide audiences. Long may it continue.
