Some months ago in a dusty secondhand bookshop I happened across a not very good adaptation of Dylan Thomas’ Under Milk Wood. It was a direct ‘translation’ into Australian English, the result being at best merely a cute retelling of this masterpiece. I thought at the time why an original work could not have been written. The Aspirations of Daise Morrow, a word-for-word theatricalisation of Patrick White’s early 60s short story Down at the Dump, could well be that very thing- an Aussie Milk Wood.
Director Chris Drummond has [quote] thematically, conceptually and dramaturgically created a moody atmospheric piece which honours the power of the human voice, gesture, and the spectator’s imagination to conjure a complete world. Indeed this is the very essence of theatre, as distinct today as it has been for millenia. To this mix the members of The Zephyr Quartet, under the musical directorship of Hilary Kleinig, have all collaborated to underpin the narrative with a rich and brooding score. Moreover Michael Hankin’s set and costume designs bring to life a bucolic idyll which include real grass, biting insects (locally cast?) and stained fabrics and canvases. This is a touring production and the versatility of Nigel Levings’ lighting must be challenged in many a venue – in Wollongong it was more effective when it blotted out the brutalist decor often found in regional town halls.
The story is simple in its details though complex in the telling as the source material is all ‘a la White – internal struggles and non-linear narrative’. Mr Drummond’s director notes give tantalising insights and few plot spoilers. In essence it is a tale of carpe diem and Daise’s aspirations are meant to inspire us all to take hold of the moment – for regret is a terrible thing. We are all on the cusp of something and to shy away from an offer may well be the ruin of us. Of course Patrick White was in many ways decades ahead of his times and the choices on offer to the characters in the story reflect the changing times and cultural questionings in Australia some 60 years ago. Drummond says “it is an ode to not being closed…open to whatever life brings”. Radical thinking in the conservative, post war, reds under the bed, twitching Venetian blind clime of Menzies’ Australia.
The impressive cast take on a variety of characters, though principally one central part. Not familiar with Down at the Dump it required attention to the myriad of names, however the recurring character tics and vocal oddities assist in following the tale. Of the four actors: Lucy Lehmann, Genevieve Picot and Paul Blackwell – it was James Smith who commanded the demands of the space. His vocal precision in clarity, pitch and projection was matched with subtlety in performance that also miraculously filled the room. I only wish Drummond’s direction had further exploited the versatility of the human voice through song and mimicry of the environmentals. The music score is impressive and such a delight for me to sit so close to the cello, an instrument that, along with the bassoon, speaks to my soul.
The event is quite a tonic and indeed free therapy for those questioning their own life choices. Take the plunge.
Mark G Nagle – Theatre Now
The Aspirations of Daise Morrow
Based on Patrick White’s short story Down At the Dump, featuring Zephyr Quartet
9 – 12 May 2018
Wed 9 May, 7.30pm
Thu 10 May, 11.00am & 6.30pm
Fri 11 May, 7.30pm
Sat 12 May, 1.30pm & 7.30pm
Post-Show Q&A:
Thu 10 May, 11am & 6.30pm
Venue: Wollongong Town Hall, Main Auditorium
Theatre Company: Brink Productions
Duration: Approx. 1 hr 20 mins (no interval)
