A truly unique show crafting a kaleidoscope of emotions propped up with interactive video projection and dark humour.
This is a true story about Malcolm Allison and his journey as he battles a brain tumour. His character is cleverly interwoven in all aspects of the show – the language, costumes, jokes and music. While true stories tend to clutch a little tighter on the heart strings, this one is firmly gripped with authenticity as the audience watches Malcolm, one of the four cast members, bring to life his very own story. The audience is taken along for the ride delving into Malcolm’s imagination – and his quirky sense of humour.
Alicia Battestini delivers a strong performance (plays Malcolm’s Mother along with other auxiliary characters) instilling from the onset the deep emotional trauma faced by a mother with a child who has cancer. This emotion creates a grounding depth from which the show interestingly flips back and forth, refreshed in-between with both dark and light humour, all inspired by the imagination of Malcolm. While the show possibly has one too many bad jokes, in hindsight they provide a conduit for the audience to get to know the real Malcolm Allison and Phillip Prentice – something quite unique.
Drayton Morley’s skills are evident throughout with his portrayal of a number of characters (often without script) that contribute to the dark humour undertones meshed within the show. The placid character of “The Man on the Moon” Phillip Prentice portrays a quiet character that walks beside Malcolm offering guidance in times of adversity and helps to showcase the strength of the human spirit.
Dazzling stars, protruding beams and projected imagery – The senses are definitely stimulated by interactive video projection that amplifies emotion and immerses the audience in the story. The many clever analogies are intensified with sound and supported from simple, yet effective, stage props and design. Together all elements introduce another dimension to this unique experience – where the audience is transferred immediately from one moment to the next, one moment on the moon (amidst Malcolm’s imagination), the next to a heart thumping operating table for brain surgery.
THE MAN WHO DREAMT THE STARS is funny and intelligent. A Merrigong production to be praised! Devised by both cast and creative team it was directed by Anne-Louise Rentell and delivered in association with The Disability Trust. This show is rightfully a tribute to the success that strong and inclusive collaborations deliver and provides an exciting benchmark for more mixed ability performances on our stages.
THE MAN WHO DREAMT THE STARS is showing at the IPAC (Illawarra Performing Arts Centre) 32 Burelli Street, Wollongong until Saturday 22nd February.