BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON
Image: Photo by Michael Francis
Not for the faint-hearted, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson – the surprise 2010 Broadway hit – debuts at The Factory Theatre in Marrickville.
Tracing the life of the seventh US president, it explores Jackson’s ambition to displace the US native populations, unnervingly mirroring Australia’s own dark past.
Redefining the musical genre, this production is crafty, hilarious and a historically accurate reappraisal of America’s corrupt Jacksonian era.
The cast create an engrossing performance with minimum props. Often poignant and adrenaline-charged, Jackson attempts to destroy the banks, disregard the Supreme Court and evict the natives, all the time claiming he is the “people’s President”.
His downfall is his own brand of tyrannical democracy. It’s a left field show bursting with unexpected, deftly performed stage antics. A knowledge of American history would assist in dissecting some content, but with an exceptional band and brilliant performances by Sydney’s finest musical actors – including Peter Meredith, Monique Sallé, Toby Francis and Louise Kelly – this is a post-punk, post-modernist must see. (SC)
Until Sep 1, The Factory Theatre, 105 Victoria Rd, Marrickville, (02) 9550 3666, factorytheatre.com.au
BY SAM CRASSWELLER
You May Also Like
