Sipping a pre-show drink on the deck, watching the surfers while you wait to take your seat you realise the Bondi Pavilion Theatre is the perfect venue for a show called WAVES about a swimmer by a swimmer. In performance Ms Cooper’s affinity for the subject, (“So, you’re a swimmer?”) becomes an obvious asset as she begins to weave a spell over her audience on this delightful journey from her recent past.
WAVES is the story of Elizabeth Moncello: and her youth spent growing up on a small Australian island in the 1920’s and how she came to be the unofficial inventor of the butterfly stroke, by copying the fish, penguins and dolphins, as told to the writer/performer. Ms Cooper’s eloquent retelling using occasional mime, regular vocal gymnastics and humour, but always very apparent love for her subject swept us up in her warm tale.
The fifty or so minutes of the show flew by and we were surprised when the ending arrived; which prompts my two minor suggestions. It was manifestly a labour of love, but that did lead, I think, to one or two points being laboured, just a little. Also incidental music was used to great effect during dramatic moments. But the almost lyrical last scene and poignant final image could perhaps have used another gentle music build?
Ms Cooper studied at Ecole Philippe Gaulier, Paris and has worked in theatre in Spain, Australia and the UK. Now based in Edinburgh, Alice grew up in Sydney, where she was a resident at Shopfront Contemporary Arts, ensemble member at PACT and a mentor in ATYP’s First Draft writing program.
She certainly employed all her skills and experience in bringing this enchanting little piece to us. Indeed, not withstanding my two nit-picking comments, the standing ovation at the end was our inadequate thanks for the smiles on every face as we left the theatre.
An Alice Mary Cooper, Rock Surfers and Fringe World production, WAVES played the Bondi Pavilion Theatre for one performance only on Saturday 31st January.
WAVES will next perform as part of the Perth Fringe, playing at the Stables theatre, Perth Cultural Centre, Northbridge, Western Australia between Saturday 7th and Thursday 12th February at 5.15pm. Highy recommended. If you know anyone in Perth, let them know!
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