Feb 17

FRINGE 2015 – Antillia – J150 Rehearsal Room – 5K

By Peter Maddern

The manipulation of the citizenry by politicians and media barons alike through the use of fear, especially of the kind generated by forces far away, is a staple of the western world; it comes with the morning milk. Antillia is a country, part Australia and part not, that is increasingly closing itself off to the outside world to keep such baddies away but as we join the cast, playing corporate up and comers and in their late twenties they delight in their schemes to keep the good things from the outside coming.

On their apartment’s small rear lawn Geoff (Kieran McNamara) and Michaela (Krystal Brock) are preparing a BBQ lunch for their friends, Anton (Vince Fusco) and Chloe (Georgie Pile.) A part of the reason for the gathering is to show off the massive new brick wall Geoff has constructed to help protect against ‘them’. However, violence erupts in nearby streets and soon after their afternoon is hijacked by a gate crasher (Adam Cirillo). From there the fears of beyond get very much turned into the fears within; exactly those types our politicians and media don’t much like holding a mirror up to.

Waxing Lyrical is a local production company and this working by Toby Rice as director, of Liam Ormsby’s play is somewhat flawless. McNamara as a control freak, menacing and delightful as it suits, is superb. Pile’s Chloe as an intelligent but domineering spouse similarly crafts mixes of charm with venom and Adam Cirillo is a study of being the face of evil, denied the voice that may present another side to his world.

It is great to see that amongst the drudge of the Garden and Croquet Club the Fringe can still produce the type of production for which it was always intended. If there is one fault in Antillia it is the team has under-estimated the potential audience appeal of the show. This theatre cannot be recommended too highly – extraordinarily strong in all its elements.
Kryztoff Rating 5K

Feb 16

FRINGE 2015 – Is It Because I’m Indian? – Nexus – 3K

By Lemuel Gabriel

A monologue of the misfit, Is It Because I’m Indian is a satirical performance about the struggles and successes of a man who has been continually marginalised by the society because he was of a minority.

From the darkness emerges Raj (not be confused with Reg or Maj) in a fashionably uncoordinated groove of a bare-footed office clerk with a gray jumper, although he made up for making it up by being armed with such an exceptional voice. He walks us through the memories of an Indian boy, from England all the way to portraying the impressions of Australia that has encouraged the character wanting to come to the land where Rangers and Kangaroos hail.

Down the track, we reach the stage of the pursuit of being a performer, more so if you are a person of colour. Raj speaks of words that echo the emotion making you feel the feelings of the character feel very fresh. It was a deep, dramatic monologue with tinge of humour that occasionally gives an uncertainty whether to laugh or not at some racially-motivated jokes.

It was not disappointing, considering it was a lot of talking being done in the whole 60 minutes of something that everyone couldn’t really relate to. It is deep but at the same time really easy to digest. Not very much to offer for your eyes, but your ears and thoughts are constantly shaken throughout the performance. The finale was quite a surprise, although I wished it was revealed a little earlier.

Kryztoff Rating 3K

Feb 16

FRINGE 2015: A Simple Space – Royal Croquet Club – The Menagerie – 5K

86c98bda67bcb8903a3cb8808957d0feBy Ernest McLeod

A Simple Space, is as the name says, set in a simple space which allows you to get up close and personal with what is hailed one of Australia’s hottest acrobatic ensembles, from our very own South Australia.

Simple is a word that will no longer come to mind as you enjoy this edge of your seat powerhouse of performance of extremely trusting teamwork as well as showdowns.

Described as “Cirque Du Soleil with a fistful of grit” it is raw inconceivable strength of determination that entertains, leaving the audience as breathless as these superhuman acrobats must surely be with their physical performance which is a show simply not to be missed.

At Royal Croquet Club – The Menagerie until Sunday 15 March.

http://www.adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/a-simple-space/861796a6-22e0-4dc6-9d77-8684870b929d

http://www.gomcircus.com.au/

Kryztoff Rating   5K

Feb 16

FRINGE 2015: Hot Brown Honey – Royal Croquet Club – Ukiyo – 4K

86c98bda67bcb8903a3cb8808957d0feBy Ernest McLeod

Hot Brown Honey is a hilariously entertaining Cabaret with a sweet punch of Hip Hop politics, beat boxing, Polynesian weaving, song, dance and striptease.

This remix of burlesque shatters the stereotypical, as it sensually creates a satirical side splitting political mess. With the explosive energy brought by this ensemble of brown, black and mixed beauties the room feels like a power house in no time.

The creativity of this show is as great as the party atmosphere it builds up until the audience can no longer resist moving to the beats.

At Royal Croquet Club – Ukiyo – until Sunday 15 March.

Rated 18+

http://www.adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/hot-brown-honey/28ecf6db-2fa4-4eb5-ba07-48fa7c7af0c8

http://www.hotbrownhoney.com/

Kryztoff Rating   4K

Feb 15

FRINGE 2015 – Elvis Hates Me – Producers Warehouse- 3K

1619648_697289827055842_4959792657112979448_nBy Tom Eckert

Elvis Hates Me, a play by McArts is an experience in rapid fire dialogue centering on the internal conflict of personal identity and the existential angst created by the conflict of fame and anonymity. Held in the Producers Warehouse; a painted bare brick back room with a vibe that complimented the alternative feel of the production.

Although slow to warm up and peppered with some timing and delivery issues that lead to some of the harder hitting lines being thrown away and at times a slightly opaque progression of ideas, with a combination of some edgy humour and unique perspective it results in engaging viewing.

Highlights have to be the vital energy, the diverse and distinct characterisations of Craig McArdle and a strong sense of physical and aesthetic style running throughout. By tightening a few screws and with a bit of spit-polish I have no doubt this production would become an incisive and confronting examination of the contemporary human condition and the cult of personality.

Kryztoff Rating    3K

 

Feb 15

FRINGE 2015: A F*#king Mad Tea Party – The Elephant British Pub – 4K

This Mad Tea Party has been created by University of Ballarat Arts Academy graduates Samantha Wojcik and Timothy Christopher Ryan.

A madly entertaining mix of physical theatre, dance, burlesque and song set in a imaginative psychedelic Wonderland following Alice down the rabbit hole where she is confronted by some well known characters. Exploring the madness of riddles with no answers, awkward sexual encounters, motherhood and metamorphosis.

An amusing floor show that explores the theme of mental health in a lively vivacious performance by some great artists.

At The Elephant – British Pub until Friday 20 February.

Rated 18+

http://www.adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/a-fking-mad-tea-party/af0048e2-8ef7-4f96-8940-456dfdef4829

https://www.facebook.com/acarnivalesquewonderland

Kryztoff Rating   4K

Feb 15

FRINGE 2015: Swing and Blues Dance Lessons for Beginners! – The German Club, Wolf Blass Weinkeller – 3.5K

Held in the humble basement of the German Club, this class is unstructured, unassuming and surprisingly successful. The slightly shambolic teaching and relaxed atmosphere suit the informal style of blues dance and set the scene well for the playful hour of clumsy dancing that ensues. What teachers Kira and Andy lack in polish they more than make up for in enthusiasm and good humor which quickly translates to their students, putting everyone at ease. This is something you become increasingly thankful for when you are later taught to do a move that involves literal thigh-slapping. The class does not take itself at all seriously and if you are prepared to laugh at yourself and do the same, you will thoroughly enjoy yourself.

After a quick warm up, you are taught some basic steps and given ample opportunity to practice with the other students. This is followed by instruction on how to move around and some more difficult steps, with practice after every new instruction. Dancing after each new step helps consolidate what you learn and prevents the content becoming overwhelming. The class is paced well for beginners and kept interesting by frequently switching dance partners.

At the conclusion of the 8:15pm class, there is social dancing for those keen to bust out their new-learnt moves with fellow blues enthusiasts. If you’re looking for a laid back evening, with lots of laughter and a feeling of not totally controlling your limbs, this class will not disappoint.

Kryztoff rating: 3.5K

Feb 15

FRINGE 2015: Kinski and I – The Studio, Holden Street Theatres – 3K

Kinski and I, is an interesting experience. It explores the life of German actor Klaus Kinski, through readings from the original (since banned) text of his autobiography and small snippets of other information provided by presenter C J Johnson. Less like a traditional theatre production and more like a documentary – biographical dialogue accompanied by edited clips from Kinski’s films – the biggest question seems to be: why has Johnson not learnt the text off by heart? Instead he reads it from a tablet and, while he has a strong and pleasant voice, with good articulation and expression (though the German accent he uses is uneven and frequently lapses), it is never more than words coming from a page.

The subject matter is volatile and likely to be offensive or disturbing for many. It is highly relevant, with many modern parallels to be drawn between current discussions and controversies surrounding several artists, and Kinski – his art, his actions, his attitudes and how they all relate to one another. It is certainly a show that will lead to much discussion and debate.

One assumes there must be more in the book than reminiscences of sexual encounters, but this show focuses firmly on this area of Kinski’s life, with occasional thoughts regarding acting, and accounts of Kinski’s work with renowned director Werner Herzog. One quote that is selected speaks of the performer submitting to the role, letting it take them over. Has Johnson opted to read the text rather than embody it because he is afraid of the role taking him over, afraid of submitting to the character? As an audience member this choice is disappointing. That’s what theatre is about, encountering characters that both intrigue and horrify you, getting to have a glimpse of those personalities, to experience them and their way of viewing the world. The experience just isn’t as powerful when the character is at arm’s length, as it is here.

Kryztoff Rating: 3K

Feb 14

FRINGE 2015: Geraldine Quinn – MDMA: Modern Day Maiden Aunt – The Producers Warehouse – 5K

If there was an award for the most under-recognised and under-appreciated cabaret talent in Australia, Geraldine Quinn would have to top my nominations. For a decade, she’s been writing and performing slick musical comedy shows that always leave their audiences satisfied, and MDMA: Modern Day Maiden Aunt is another fine example of the genre.

In this show Quinn turns her talents to producing songs about the issues and attitudes that become a part of your daily life when you’re female and reach a certain age (be it 25 or 45) without having completed the expected coupling and spawning scenario. The lyrics are biting and hilarious, the tunes hint to great songs of the 70s and 80s while still being original, the banter between songs is honest and funny and, above all, Quinn’s voice is enthralling. Able to belt out an anthem but also inject emotion and purity into more delicate arrangements, she never hits a bad note. She is a remarkable performer, in the true sense of the word.

While the humour at fighting against society’s expectations at every turn is a major part of the show, this is balanced by the genuine love that Quinn has for, and amusement she gets from, her 19 nieces and nephews. This shouldn’t be seen as a show for a specific demographic, it’s got much wider appeal. There was not a disappointed face to be seen following the performance, but rather an overwhelming and mutual feeling that this is one of the hit shows to see at this year’s festival.

Kryztoff Rating: 5K

Feb 14

FRINGE 2015: Sparrow-Folk: SubBIRDia – Gluttony: The Bally – 4K

The friendly greeting from performers Catherine Crowley and Juliet Moody, the sparkly bunting hanging from a bright Hills Hoist and the offer of a (very tasty – take the offer) homemade cookie, iced to look like a breast, set the scene for this show well. This is a tight 45 minutes of musical comedy about the funny side of suburban life, particularly the naughty bits. There’s lots of innuendo, and some rather impressive crocheted anatomy, but the boundaries of comfort are never extended too far – it’s a bit risqué rather than raunchy or rude.

The songs are amusing and musically appealing, with very nice vocal harmonising. Some may be familiar to those who saw their offering last Fringe, but there is also a good quantity (quan-tity?) of newer numbers. The one flaw in this show is the inclusion of a song about rugby which, while performed with the same panache as the rest, fails to create a similar level of amusement due to a large proportion of the jokes falling dead for the South Australian audience. This came about half-way through the show and the awkwardness of it meant that the fine rapport developed up until that point was never quite fully regained. When touring a show about amusing everyday anecdotes and experiences, it’s important to ensure they will still be relatable for your audience.

Aside from this small glitch, the rest of the performance was that nice level of amusing that, while maybe not making you laugh out loud the whole way through, does evoke a couple of these outbursts and leaves you with a genuine smile on your face the rest of the time.

Kryztoff Rating: 4K