When I read the outline of TAZ VS THE PLEB I missed the zany, parody and outrageous celebration descriptors and only took in the information about heteronormative culture, queer awakening, and the difficulties and anger raised by the plebiscite.
I should have paid closer attention because TAZ VS THE PLEB is a fun and joyous production. It is full of energy, youthful enthusiasm and the anarchic qualities of passionate adolescence. These attributes are cleverly harnessed to facilitate meaningful change in Taz and Chantelle’s parochial rural town of Turneybull. The issues concerning Taz and Chantelle and the plebiscite are canvased in a creative and entertaining drama.
Writer and director Kasia Vickery has made excellent use of a small cast, a bright and simple set, and an energetic score to take us into the world and thinking of sixteen year olds who lives have been questioned and thrown into disarray by the 2017 national plebiscite that would ask Australians ‘Should the law be changed to allow same-sex couples to marry?’
Serious topics are raised and considered in this play and Kasia has used a balanced mixture of clever dialogue and humorous stereotypes to keep the drama engaging and imaginative. Kasia excellently captures the enthusiasm and idealism of teenagers and how their eagerness can lead them to take well-intentioned but reckless actions.
The choreography in the survey stealing scene was very impressive and added to the audience’s enjoyment of the production. The use of shadow puppets was another playful and innovative aspect that added to the quality and charm of TAZ VS THE PLEB
Actors Natali Caro, Sophie Strykowski, Jack Mainsbridge and Lou McInnes are all to be commended. That some of them play multiple roles reinforces the idea that not everyone is who they appear to be and that someone’s external appearance does not define who they are or how they should conform.
The whole team, including Production Supervisor Brendon Taylor, Production Designer Kate Beere, Sound Designer & Composition Scott Sohrab Majidi and Lighting Designer Thomas Doyle, is to be commended.
TAZ VS THE PLEB runs until Saturday 19th February, at the Flight Path Theatre, 144 Addison Road, Marrickville. It is highly recommended.
Production photography byNoni Carroll.