By Peter Maddern
Yasmin Reza’s examination of the modern human condition, particularly our tendency to destroy ourselves and each other, is a searing and funny affair. Just how getting two sets of parents together to discuss a school yard fight between their 11 year old sons could degenerate into such a God awful mess is not obvious, yet every twist and turn will be immediately recognisable to the majority of wel- off parents who have in many ways lost the plot (even if, of course, the problem lies elsewhere.)
This award winning play was first produced in Adelaide by the State Theatre Company in 2010 but any who saw that production ought not fall into the trap of ‘been there done that’ or how could an amateur theatre group match the STC.
All four members of the cast do an excellent job, increasingly so as the mania and the alcohol kick in big time. Their timing is perfect and the increasing obsession with their own positions on the topic and a host of others arise is all too real. If anything the last minutes are better done here than at the Playhouse 30 months ago. The staging is well done though perhaps the couch, the centre of most the shenanigans, is placed a tad too far back on the stage.
All in all, a fabulous play given its full opportunity to amuse and shock in equal portions by a fine and dedicated cast. A worthwhile venture beyond the Fringe to the Hills.
Kryztoff Rating 4K
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