Two's a couple, three's drama

August 23, 1995
Issue 

Blokes
August 16-19, 22-26
One Plus One
August 31-September 2, 13-16
When I was A Girl I used to Scream and Shout
September 6-9, 19-23
Junction Theatre in conjunction with Ambush, Not So Straight Theatre and Living Voice
At Theatre 62, 145 Burbridge Rd, Hilton, Ph 43 6200
Reviewed by Philippa Stanford.

Under the banner "Threesome", Junction Theatre has brought together plays about modern love, friendships and relationships. It is providing the opportunity for newer and less resourced companies to produce their work as part of a series.

Blokes, by Ambush Theatre, takes a humorous look at men, communication and relationships. Three very different men — a footballer, a business executive and an artist — go to the country for a men's awareness weekend. The problem is that no-one else turns up, not even the camp facilitator. The men stumble through initial chat until a slab of beer is produced and they reveal to each other their true feelings, insecurities and darkest secrets.

Actor Christian Goldsworthy says that Blokes challenges the that "you can check yourself into a garage for a sensitivity overhaul for the weekend and drive off and be all right until next tune-up". The play is guaranteed to make you laugh and to touch a few raw nerves.

Ambush Street Theatre was born as a reaction to the Dili massacre and provides a powerful medium for taking up issues. It takes theatre to unusual places, challenging the aloof and highbrow concept of theatre. This is very accessible theatre that packs a punch.

One Plus One is the second play written by Stephen House and the third production for Not So Straight Theatre, a company whose name explains its focus and which fills a real vacuum in theatre. The play features four characters: Rob and Yasin, who are in a relationship; Claude, an older gay man bringing hope and experience; and C.C., a cynical yet glamorous over the top drag queen who guides the audience through the experiences of casual sex, infidelity and devotion.

One Plus One explores racism and discrimination, marginalisation within marginalisation and the many forms of oppression. It is, however, a very positive play, a both humorous and confronting look at these issues.

Living Voice Theatre decided to produce When I Was a Girl I Used To Scream and Shout when a second-hand copy of the play was found at a garage sale. The play was first performed at the (youth arts) Come Out '95 Festival, winning an award and playing to packed houses.

Written in 1984, the play looks at a wide range of issues: sexual awakening, unconditional love, friendships, trust, single parents and memories.

Mother and daughter return for a holiday to a Scottish town where they used to live, and memories of their lives there flood back. The daughter is reunited with a close childhood friend who has taken a very different path in life. The impact of remembered events draws mother and daughter into a love-hate tug of war.

The play exposes with sympathy the sexual misconceptions and repressions of growing up. It examines the question of memories and choices and whose memories and choices they are.

The Threesome series promises challenging theatre which confronts many central personal issues. The coming together of these exciting companies is something not to be missed. A ticket for all three plays is $36 ($24 concession).

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