Allan Chapple

THE POLITICAL HEARTS OF CHILDREN

Last night the Subtlenuance Theatre Company at the Tap  Gallery delivered a delightful and charming foray into memories and impressions through the prism of youth and naiveté.

Six fairly light tales of early childhood and a more sombre recounting of young trauma that caught the audience a little off guard as giggles and fun turned to shock and wonder. But then, as James Balian’s partner told me after the show, his memories, even after 44 years, are indeed stark.

The stories, in the main, were delivered true to the vernacular of very young versions of each performer although Victoria Haralabidou might want to choose a different term to “upper torso” for an eight(?) year old to describe clinging to her mum. The rant about public rudeness (and this is a pet topic of mine!), was a bit long to sustain entertainment value, and we were treated to perhaps a little too much detail about “Hybrid Orchids”.

Notwithstanding, the performances were all enjoyable, exuberant and sometimes enthralling and all involved are to be congratulated. Very imaginative use of seven stools and the actors themselves as set and to provide atmosphere showed a deft directorial hand from Paul Gilchrist. Special mention must be made of Stephen Wilkinson for a most entertaining and funny “Skink Hunt”, and Carla Nirella’s heart warming peek at her family life.

Well done Subtlenuance!

The Subtlenuance Theatre Company’s production of THE POLITICAL HEARTS OF CHILDREN opened at the Tap Gallery, Downstairs Theatre, 278 Palmer Street, Darlinghurst on Thursday 11th April and runs until Sunday 21st April, 2013.

© Allan Chapple

Published by Allan Chapple

Allan Chapple has done over three thousand performances, including the series director in 2005 Tele movie ''Dynasty – Behind the Scenes'', two thirds of which involved singing, and has produced a dozen or more dramatic and comic plays, 2 full scale musicals, 6 theatre restaurant shows, 20 pantomimes and children’s shows, 2 short films and written and directed some 60 corporate and training videos. He has taught acting for TV and Film at Ensemble Studios as well as acting for theatre at Brent Street and many other schools, and corporate communication skills for many top leaders in the public and private sectors.