By Peter Kemp
The 1812 Theatre
A review of The Shoehorn Sonata
The 1812 Theatre’s second production was John Misto’s The Shoehorn Sonata.
A story of the fall of Singapore during WWII and deals with the imprisonment of the women who were interned by the Japanese.
In this instance John Misto concentrates on two people. An Australian nurse in her late 20s and an English school girl as a 15 year old. They come together after 40 odd years for a TV interview. A dramatic, moving and historical play and not one for the downhearted.
Bridie, the Australian nurse was played by Genevieve Ryan and Sheila the schoolgirl was played by Stephanie King. Blake Stringer played the Interviewer.
A very moving production enhanced by the strength of the players. Genevieve Ryan captured the essence of the Australian nurse and Stephanie King gave a wonderful portrayal. A very taut experience of theatre with both actors capturing the feel of life in a POW camp. An harrowing tale lightened with touches of humour. The actors really captured the anxiety, desperation, and feelings of women in such a position. For one to learn about some little known facts of history this is a show not to be missed
The play was in the Bakery@1812 an intimate theatre most suitable for this three-hander.
The set was that of a hotel room with a central entry door and walls on each side which acted as two screens where pictures from the relevant parts of the story were projected. The space was also used as the interview room of a radio station complete with an On Air sign above the door and the interviewer, Blake Stringer. Stringer gave a good portrayal of the Interviewer.
The play was set in two parts, the interview and the hotel room.
A great evening of theatre and being in the Bakery@1812 gave the audience more feeling of the story.
Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre
Coming up: Barefoot in the Park
Season: April 36 – May 6
Paul Bratter, a conservative lawyer, marries the vivacious Corie, but their highly passionate relationship descends into comical discord in a five flight New York apartment contending with a lack of heating, a leaking roof, several long flights of stairs, the oddball neighbour, telephone repairman and Corie’s well-meaning mother.
Bookings: 9735 1777
