SYDNEY
Alice Birch’s Revolt She Said. Revolt Again. is a gutsy, full-throttled play that drives home a message of rebellion and revolution without any brakes.
As we enter the performance space of the Old 505 Theatre, a throbbing bass accompanies a man pacing back and forth behind panels of translucent silk that hang from the ceiling. Instead of Brechtian placards, we are given textbook instructions on a huge projection that dominates the space; “REVOLUTIONIZE THE LANGUAGE: INVERT IT”. It feels as if we are watching something private but as the opening act between man and woman unfolds, it becomes obvious this is not a dialogue about sex and intimacy, but a battle of power and status; what happens when the language is in reversed and man is told to spread his legs?
House of Sand’s production of this work is a call to arms and a demand for the ‘other’ to be heard. It explores the lust for radicalism that inherent frustration evokes, whilst forcing the audience to consider what happens when there is passion for change but no strategy. Director Charles Sanders overwhelms us quite deliberately and unapologetically with strong symbolism and a truly sensorial experience as we are lurched into each act of the play. Sanders’ intellect and deep consideration of the themes in this play are potent, and this is so important as such a bold work has potential to leave an audience disorientated and frustrated.
Whilst some moments feel as though the director has perhaps tried to combine too many stylistic and symbolic layers; we are left feeling disturbed and restless for change and this is the crux of what the play is about.
Stephanie Howe’s design is simple and effective – she has mastered the space with simple choices that both close and open it up in accordance with how involved the audience should feel. Layers of the set design are literally stripped back until there is nothing to hide behind and the fourth wall is broken entirely. The lighting design (Sophie Pekbelimli) complements Howe’s work beautifully and offers the intensity demanded by the script as it punches on with little delay between acts. Danielle O’Keefe’s sound design is superb and does much in the way of guiding us through the work with pulsing transitions and soundscapes that underlay scenes; bringing an intensity no other design element can.
The intensity and irreverance of the production is supported by a powerhouse cast and Sanders has made the choice to subvert roles that traditional read as masculine by having a majority female cast. Violette Ayad, Anna Cheney, Enya Daly, Richard Hilliar, Moreblessing Maturure and Eliza Sanders all contribute to an outstanding performance and there is a strong sense of ensemble at work.
Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again. runs until May 19 at the Old 505 Theatre, Newtown. It is call for action with consideration and it should be seen and heard, now.
M. Osbourne – Theatre Now
Revolt She Said Revolt Again
ALICE BIRCH
2nd May-19th May
Tue- Sat 8pm
Venue: 505
Theatre Company: House of Sands
Duration:
“Each scene …begins with deconstruction and proceeds into detonation.” – Ben Brantly, of the Soho Rep production
In Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again. Alice Birch tears apart the language, structures and ideas that keep feminism and women trapped inside a patriarchal system, and presents a rallying cry for a new feminism; to work outside the system and re-redefine the way we think about womanhood.
Packed with intelligence, humour and wrenching social commentary, Revolt will be a punch in the face wrapped in a satin glove.
“The siblings’ ability to move us, to cease our attention and connect with our emotions, without the use of anything remotely formulaic or conventional, is evidence that a purity of intention and an instinctive acuity are at play here…Eliza and Charles Sanders are important artists who give us an alternate view of the world.” – Suzy Goes See, of Pedal & Castles @ Sydney Fringe Festival 2016
Ticket Prices
$45 Premium Adults* / $40 Adults / $30 Concession, Industry & Under 30 / ‘Pay what you want’ Previews
