This review was written by John Ovenden
Stirling Players’ “Speaking In Tongues” is an excellent choice for its opening production of the year.
Sadly an audience of only about 40 witnessed a fine effort on opening night.
However, the decision to mount the play during Adelaide’s Festival/Fringe should never be repeated whatever the circumstances.
Also how disappointing that Andrew Bovell, the incisive South Australian playwright, couldn’t attend a rehearsal or be present, as I had suggested.
That said, Director Geoff Brittain’s interpretation produces a thought-provoking evening long before the curtain comes down.
Two couples, often harmonizing together, which requires impressive split-second timing, dissect the state of their marriages. This is given an extra twist in Scene Two, when you become aware of their connection.
Geoff Brittain, in his program notes, describes it as ‘delving into relationship disconnection, and emotional conflict’.
The play was later made into a very successful movie as “Lantana”. (I saw it twice!)
Gary George, Nicole Rutty, Georgia Stockham and Tim Williams do full justice to their roles, especially when becoming entirely different characters in Act Two in different circumstances, including a complete mystery.
As the actors grow into their roles, moving back and forth in time, so their powerful performances deepen, especially using the full width of the stage, so that you are constantly and anxiously switching attention between them.
Mention must also be made of Bronwyn Chapple’s competent Assistant Directorship, and Ray Trowbridge’s impressive Production Managership and sound.
Well worth seeing at the Community Theatre where the run extends until April 1st Friday-Sunday 7.30pm, with three weekend 3 p.m matinees. GO!
