As part of the international theatrical collaboration, Documents of Poverty and Hope, Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP) is currently presenting WAR CRIMES by award-winning Australian playwright, Angela Betzien and directed by London based Alex Evans.
Betzien’s play charts the journey of four teenage schoolgirls, Jade (Charlotte Hazzard), Ricky (Holly Fraser), Jordan (Hannah Cox) and Lara (Jane Watt) who are fighting for respect, railing against authority and struggling to establish their own identities in an unspecified small coastal town with limited opportunities. Their difficult adolescent years are further challenged when a young Iraqi woman, Ishtar (Odetta Quinn), joins the school…
I caught this play on a Friday matinee performance that was being live streamed into participating schools throughout the state. There were also school groups in attendance in the audience. What a great time to be at this theatre to see a significant production such as this reach so deeply into its target audience.
I could tell by the way that the schoolgirls in the audience were reacting that they were finding the play confronting. On the same note I don’t think drama teachers would have had many problems controlling their classrooms- the students would have been fully engaged in seeing aspects of their world played out on centre stage…depicting how global politics and ideologies perversely play out in the school playground…how all the different pressures- parental, peer, teacher, sexual and more play out in this scenario.
Alex Evans’ production never falters. It’s raw and authentic…showing how tough and confused young life can get be.
The five young actresses are exceptional and demonstrate great range. Special mention to Charlotte Hazzard and Odetta Quinn who play the two major roles.
Tia Jordan’s extensive movement work reaps great rewards making for some very powerful scenes.
Emma Reyes set, Alex Berlage’s lighting and Tom Hogan’s soundscape vividly bring Betzien’s world to life.
This Sydney premiere season is now in the last week of its three week season at the ATYP Studio 1 at the Wharf (Sydney Theatre Company). Performance times are Wednesday to Saturday 7pm, Sunday 5pm, and Wednesday and Friday 11.30am. Bookings http://www.atyp.com.au or 92704000.