January 30, 2012
Oxford Actors Network presented an evening of a trio of new plays: Roman Fever, Crossing Over and Hamster’s Revenge. Each play was short with intervals in between to split up the performances nicely.
The three plays each consisted of two actors, and the storyline was driven by character conflicts and relationships. The stage set-up was minimalist, containing a simple table and chairs, reflecting that the main focus was to be entirely on the actors and nothing else. Lighting, and sound effects were limited, so the actors had a great responsibility to hold the stage entirely with their performance, which they pulled off effortlessly.
Roman Fever told the tale of two elderly friends, now enjoying their twilight years in Rome. Seemingly close at the beginning of the story, it’s soon revealed there are secrets and hidden feelings of jealously and conflict between the pair. The characters reveal insights to their thoughts and feelings as they speak directly to the audience, a nice technique to engage and include the viewers.
Gosia Brudlo portrayed the vulnerable and helpless Petra in the second play of the evening, Crossing Over. In an unlikely pairing, Petra, a down and out prostitute, amongst other jobs, develops a close bond with her case worker. Emotions run high in this simple drama as Petra is trying to seek asylum for a better life with the aid of her cynical case worker, who despite her better judgement is softened by Petra, and finds herself wanting to cross the line of professionalism to help her.
Hamster’s Revenge is a witty drama exposing the relationship between siblings, Leonora and Charles. At first glance Charles appears to have a genuine interest in his sister’s life, but as they broach the subject of her enormous lottery win, Charles’ motives for his long awaited visit seems a sham. Touching on real emotions and subjects, Hamster’s Revenge is a soft and delicate portrayal of human issues related to greed and wealth at the expense of true happiness and family bonds.
Mixed Doubles is a true celebration of fine local acting which Oxford has to offer. This showcase of talent is not to be missed.
The three plays each consisted of two actors, and the storyline was driven by character conflicts and relationships. The stage set-up was minimalist, containing a simple table and chairs, reflecting that the main focus was to be entirely on the actors and nothing else. Lighting, and sound effects were limited, so the actors had a great responsibility to hold the stage entirely with their performance, which they pulled off effortlessly.
Roman Fever told the tale of two elderly friends, now enjoying their twilight years in Rome. Seemingly close at the beginning of the story, it’s soon revealed there are secrets and hidden feelings of jealously and conflict between the pair. The characters reveal insights to their thoughts and feelings as they speak directly to the audience, a nice technique to engage and include the viewers.
Gosia Brudlo portrayed the vulnerable and helpless Petra in the second play of the evening, Crossing Over. In an unlikely pairing, Petra, a down and out prostitute, amongst other jobs, develops a close bond with her case worker. Emotions run high in this simple drama as Petra is trying to seek asylum for a better life with the aid of her cynical case worker, who despite her better judgement is softened by Petra, and finds herself wanting to cross the line of professionalism to help her.
Hamster’s Revenge is a witty drama exposing the relationship between siblings, Leonora and Charles. At first glance Charles appears to have a genuine interest in his sister’s life, but as they broach the subject of her enormous lottery win, Charles’ motives for his long awaited visit seems a sham. Touching on real emotions and subjects, Hamster’s Revenge is a soft and delicate portrayal of human issues related to greed and wealth at the expense of true happiness and family bonds.
Mixed Doubles is a true celebration of fine local acting which Oxford has to offer. This showcase of talent is not to be missed.