Savagesis set to open at Eternity Playhouse. What’s the play about?
In short, it’s about misogyny and mateship. But deeper [than that], it deals with the question of what it is that lies within the male psyche that can make seemingly affable men treat women so horrifically. Especially when the pack mentality of ‘mateship’ is allowed to fester.
Is mateship an overstated aspect of the so-called Australian identity?
That’s a hard one to answer. I think mateship is absolutely a part of the Australian identity, which is a good thing. That said, [it can be] overstated in parts of the media, or in high level sports, or even within those who grow up in a bonded group of blokes who sometimes use it as an excuse. I’d like to think that the Australian identity is about so much more than mateship.
How well does Patricia Cornelius’ text capture a snapshot of the Australian experience?
That’s actually one of the things that I love about this play – the language. Patricia has used a beautiful mix of prose and verse. I think what makes it great is that while parts of the text are undeniably Australian, the heightened language allows the play to be quite universal. The way women are seen and treated by some men is a universal issue and Patricia’s text allows it to be [seen as such].
Should audiences expect to laugh, cry, be in suspense or frightened?
Like any good play, you should expect to do most of those. It’s a funny play that grows into something quite frightening. Like any [play] or film you take in, it’s best to attend with an open mind and allow whatever comes.
How much work goes into developing the necessary chemistry among the cast for a play like this?
Having chemistry between the four of us is a must for this play to have its full impact. Rehearsing six days a week forces that chemistry, but we have also been getting together before each rehearsal and going for a run together. It has helped us bond as a group with the added benefit of a bit of cardio work each day, which should assist with the production as it’s quite a marathon for an actor. Luckily we all get along really well so we found our chemistry quite early on.
Savages runsFriday April 1 – Sunday May 1 atEternity Playhouse.
