THEATRE: GWEN IN PURGATORY

Ye need not abandon hope. Gwen, a 90-year-old woman living on the outskirts of a regional town, coping with the onslaught of change that a century’s worth of living brings, has not. Playwright Tommy Murphy also stays optimistic; despite recent media beat-ups about the death and doldrums of Australian theatre. His play Gwen in Purgatory is appropriately – and rather ironically – all about staying relevant, coping with change, and the duty of care that exists in limbo. Written specifically for Company B Belvoir, it couldn’t come at a better time. Murphy is a strong choice; his Holding the Man won the NSW Premier’s Literary Award for Best Play in 2007, while Saturn’s Return has enjoyed two sold-out seasons. It is directed by outgoing Belvoir artistic director Neil Armfield, which Murphy likens to having, “A very experienced captain at the helm.”

“Purgatory is a place that you can be rescued from by the intercession of other people, but it’s also a place that you might be called upon to purge your sins,” says Murphy. In this case, Gwen’s limbo land is that of a townhouse in a new estate on the edge of a regional town – the interceding people are her unwilling family members, daughter Peg, son Laurie and grandson, Daniel, plus her parish priest, a recent recruit from Nigeria. Each, in their own way, are making bids for independence. “Gwen is forced to question many things, including how she has tried to wield control over other people’s  lives,” says Murphy. It’s a refrain that many will identify with, either in the context of family, church or just simply modern obligation.

Despite Gwen’s, “Fear of being abandoned,” her inability to figure out the remote controls, her alienation from family and Church – she is optimistic. She embraces the changing tides. “Purgatory is potentially quite a bleak place,” admits Murphy. He laughingly adds, “But this is actually a comedy!” Heed that, theatregoers of Australia.

Jul 31-Sep 19, Belvoir St Upstairs, 25 Belvoir St, Surry Hills, $35-57, 9699 3444, belvoir.com.au