Blue/Orange

Joe Penhall’s award-winning dark comedy is a brilliantly funny play that allows stark insight into both the complexities of psychosis and the vulgarities of the psychiatric profession.

With one psychiatric theory is the terrifically whacky head consultant Robert, “Dr Groovy” (Sean Taylor) with his R.D Laingian psychobabble who thinks psychiatric patient Christopher (Dorian Nkono) is well and ready for discharge. But newbie intern Bruce (Ian Meadows) is convinced he has been misdiagnosed, needs new drug therapy and more months inside. Subjectivity abounds as Chris is seen as a victim of ethnocentrism, misunderstood because of his Jamaican background. Possibly even his outlandish delusions could be based on fact.

Set in a British psych ward and with a basic, clinical set design dominated by a huge modern-art piece that actually glows orange. Blue/Orange’s three actors are gifted in their delivery of this massive poke at an insane status quo. (MS)

Until Nov 29, Ensemble Theatre, 78 Mc Dougall St, Kirribilli, $30-60, ensemble.com.au

Written by Mel Somerville