A man relatively successful in life, may live with the belief that his one chance of achieving greatness has been stymied by the action of a friend. Such a man, given the opportunity to revive that chance, may believe that, free from the reputation and influence of such a friend, he now has the opportunity to fulfil his destiny. Such a man may fail to understand that the fault lay, not with the stars, nor in others, but within himself. Such a man may then lurch from situation to situation, bungled opportunities and manipulative relationships until final disaster strikes.
Such a man is Nick, as played by Gyton Grantley. Aided by Ash Flanders’ acerbic, at times humorous, frank and fearless, but never overblown script, Nick initially presents as a man who is in control of his life, having a wife, secure work and a young girlfriend. The opportunity to re-screen the film ‘LOW’ which he directed, together with his friend Hamish, many years ago, seems to Nick to be the chance to finally receive the credit due to him and his directorial skills.
Through a series of incidents, his misjudgements and uncomfortable interactions with others, this perceived opportunity to finally achieve recognition of his true talents turns very sour, until Nick disintegrates completely.
Writer Ash Flanders describes this as a vicious play. It is not. It is an enthralling exploration of the role of integrity and truth in art, where compromises, moral judgements and even financial considerations become part of the equation. To what extent can we separate the art from the artist? Who is to make moral judgements?
As Nick, Gyton Grantley is outstanding, crumbling before our eyes. To his frustration his long gone friend, Hamish, whom he blames for his own disappointments and apparent failure, seems to hover and intrude whenever LOW is mentioned. Nick manages to inspire our exasperation at his indiscretions, and bravado, his sinking into total self pity and indulgence to become a figure of pathos and humiliation, but without totally losing our sympathy even as he loses our respect.
Of the other characters, all of whom are women, we meet the modern woman, sure of herself. There is no victim blaming here. They are all splendid and convincing, in dual roles. As Saskia, (Kate Cheel) is hilarious, highlighting the superficiality and ambition so rife in Show Biz’. ‘Darling’‘is your best friend until your career is threatened. Shardoae Santos, as Gen, the young girlfriend shows loyalty and support, but also demands respect. As Frankie, she appears more vulnerable, but not to be cowed. Anne Steen in her roles of Mish and Anna is all cool sophistication and confidence, even as she ends her marriage.
The set designer,Matilda Woodroofe, makes clever use of side panels where films and images were used to good effect; the zoom sessions between Nick and Saskia being the perfect example. Full credit to the technical team, Matt Byrne, Video Content, Nic Mollison, Lighting, and Dan Thorpe, Composer, Sound and Video Designer.
Overseeing it all as Director Petra Kalive has brought about a wonderful night of drama.
State Theatre Company
Dunstan Playhouse 24 August – 5 September
Images: Matt Byrne.
Help Support 5mbs
We have a fantastic team of members and volunteers at 5mbs, with many opportunities for more. Check out the various ways you can help support the passionate team at 5mbs
Commentary
A man relatively successful in life, may live with the belief that his one chance of achieving greatness has been stymied by the action of a friend. Such a man, given the opportunity to revive that chance, may believe that, free from the reputation and influence of such a friend, he now has the opportunity to fulfil his destiny. Such a man may fail to understand that the fault lay, not with the stars, nor in others, but within himself. Such a man may then lurch from situation to situation, bungled opportunities and manipulative relationships until final disaster strikes.
Such a man is Nick, as played by Gyton Grantley. Aided by Ash Flanders’ acerbic, at times humorous, frank and fearless, but never overblown script, Nick initially presents as a man who is in control of his life, having a wife, secure work and a young girlfriend. The opportunity to re-screen the film ‘LOW’ which he directed, together with his friend Hamish, many years ago, seems to Nick to be the chance to finally receive the credit due to him and his directorial skills.
Through a series of incidents, his misjudgements and uncomfortable interactions with others, this perceived opportunity to finally achieve recognition of his true talents turns very sour, until Nick disintegrates completely.
Writer Ash Flanders describes this as a vicious play. It is not. It is an enthralling exploration of the role of integrity and truth in art, where compromises, moral judgements and even financial considerations become part of the equation. To what extent can we separate the art from the artist? Who is to make moral judgements?
As Nick, Gyton Grantley is outstanding, crumbling before our eyes. To his frustration his long gone friend, Hamish, whom he blames for his own disappointments and apparent failure, seems to hover and intrude whenever LOW is mentioned. Nick manages to inspire our exasperation at his indiscretions, and bravado, his sinking into total self pity and indulgence to become a figure of pathos and humiliation, but without totally losing our sympathy even as he loses our respect.
Of the other characters, all of whom are women, we meet the modern woman, sure of herself. There is no victim blaming here. They are all splendid and convincing, in dual roles. As Saskia, (Kate Cheel) is hilarious, highlighting the superficiality and ambition so rife in Show Biz’. ‘Darling’‘is your best friend until your career is threatened. Shardoae Santos, as Gen, the young girlfriend shows loyalty and support, but also demands respect. As Frankie, she appears more vulnerable, but not to be cowed. Anne Steen in her roles of Mish and Anna is all cool sophistication and confidence, even as she ends her marriage.
The set designer,Matilda Woodroofe, makes clever use of side panels where films and images were used to good effect; the zoom sessions between Nick and Saskia being the perfect example. Full credit to the technical team, Matt Byrne, Video Content, Nic Mollison, Lighting, and Dan Thorpe, Composer, Sound and Video Designer.
Overseeing it all as Director Petra Kalive has brought about a wonderful night of drama.
State Theatre Company
Dunstan Playhouse 24 August – 5 September
Images: Matt Byrne.