Markus Webber

SHORT AND SWEET TOP 100 WEEK 1 2012

A scene from,Week 1, Short and Sweet 2012. Pic by Yoni Slama

It starts with a bang. The program selection for week one of the world’s wide biggest Festival for short plays is superb. The new Artistic Director, Pete Malicki, truly has a golden hand in dramaturgically putting together an entertaining and stringent evening that keeps the audience at the edge of their seats. There is laughter, there is melancholy, and there is satire, drama, suspense, all facets of emotion and everything that makes a successful show.

I will report, not review, every week of the season, including the Wild Card performances. This festival climaxes with the presentation of the weekly winners and that will be the time to be critical or enthused. It is then when the top ten plays have to show their true merits. If Pete Malicki can keep up with his skilful programming, the Finals will be a must see event and show the power of emerging and established dramatists, directors and actors, worthy to be part of the vibrant Sydney performing arts.

Week One starts with Frank Leggett’s “Baccalaureate Mnemonic”. A gentle and surprisingly comical story, taking place at a High School reunion that ignites memories and desire to re-live what ignited passion 15 years ago. Helen Perris directs Deb (Clare Martin) and Michael (Daniel Placido) with profound skills.

Number two to get started is “Movie Date,” written and directed by an obviously talented Aaron Nilan. Mr Nilan not only writes and directs but also shows off his facets opposite Alastair Buchanan as an actor. It is all about sex and more and the audience gets quite excited and approving.

And here comes the Satire. “Mr Perkins” by Tom Jensen, a very popular writer amongst the S+S family, presents a disturbing solution to problems of the human kind. Jacque Vickers directs the eager cast Samuel McNair, Lorraine Young, David Nealon, Debbie Tilley and Kim-Cuong Do.

“Train Reaction,” written by Danelle Dobinson, based in Queensland and Karen Bayly, who is almost a S+S veteran. Suspense is hanging in the atmosphere and the end is surprising. The starring cast, Jade Yeong, Rhys McMahon, Darren Pinks, visibly enjoys the situation.

The first half is concluded by “The V-Word”. David Bulmer has multiple credits with S+ S, has written, and directed a huge crowd pleaser Kate Buchanan and Graham Yates star not only under the sheets.

The second half of the Evening, “Ill Met By Moonlight” by Jodi McAlister lights up the stage. This could be a winner, especially since directed by Luke Berman. The actors, Bel Delia and Chris Miller are in full horror mode and delightful to watch.

“Call Me But Love” by Sarah Connor, directed by Louana Sainsbury and performed by Sarah Connor herself and Ashley Watkins, presents a truly twisted version of Romeo and Juliet. This was a lesson in over-sized hatred and never ending love.

Kylie Rackham throws “On the Edge” into the competition. Scott Grimley and Dominic Witkop intensely portray two strangers on the edge. A stunning little play.

The ninth play is already a winner. It won the People’s Choice Award and Best Play at S+S Newcastle 2011. Written by Mark Konik and directed by Keane Williams, “From A Great Height” gives Glen Waterhouse and Jo Ford the perfect platform for outstanding performances. You have the chance to meet your dream girl but actually are not ready to do so? See this play to get the answer.

Last but not least comes renowned playwright Ron Elisha’s “Crime Scene.” Directed by Rose Cooper and played by Damian Fitzpatrick and Daniella Hoffman ‘Crime Scene’ has the audience wrapped.

Short and Sweet once again proves that there is a huge reservoir of talent to be discovered and encouraged. The first week program promises a season to remember. Watch this space to find out more about the upcoming weeks.

For the full program and details of all other 90 Top 100 plays check the Festival’s website at http://www.shortandsweet.org/sydney

© Markus Weber- Emu Productions (theatre and music) Pty Ltd

6th January, 2012

Tags: SYDNEY THEATRE REVIEWS- SHORT AND SWEET TOP 100 2012 WEEK 1, Peter Malicki, Ron Elisha, Damian Fitzpatrick, Daniella Hoffman, Kylie Rackham, Scott Grimley, Dominic Witkop, Sarah Connor, Louana Sainsbury, Ashley Watkins, Jodi McAlister, Luke Berman, Bel Delia, Chris Miller, David Bulmer, Kate Buchanan, Graham Yates, Danelle Dobinson, Karen Bayly, Jade Yeong, Rhys McMahon, Darren Pinks, Tom Jensen, Jacque Vickers, Samuel McNair, Lorraine Young, David Nealon, Debbie Tilley, Kim- Cuong Do, Aaron Nilan, Alastair Buchanan, Frank Leggett, Helen Perris, Clare Martin, Daniel Placido,

Published by Markus Webber

Markus Weber, born 1953 in Hall in Tyrol. After his drama-education at the Otto Falckenberg Academy in Munich he has worked as an actor, director, dramaturgy and musical-producer at numerous European and international theatres. In addition, he is the successful author and translators of plays, musicals, opera and ballet-librettos. His rock-musicals for children, Jungle Book and Koala Joe, were international successes and are presented regularly. His play End of Dreams won the German Theatre Association Award for Best New Play. After over 150 professional theatre productions in Europe and 35 years of living like rover on highways and in too many hotels, he decided to embark on his biggest dream ever – live and work in what he calls the home of his heart: Australia. He now lives in Sydney, specialising in Arts Management.