NOTHING PERSONAL

The abundant and often acerbic wit in David Williamson’s latest play is all the more unfortunate as it is frequently directed at trends in the world of publishing, which by association include plays. The script abounds in criticisms of the written word, from studies of loneliness to teen vampiric tales. But this play can be just as, “clunky and overwrought” as a book Bea (Greta Scacchi), head of an influential publishing company, complains about. Bea is challenged by Naomi (Emma Jackson), an up-and-coming marketer with grand ideas about the contemporary publishing world. The two tussle over publishing a thinly veiled manuscript of The Slap, with lies, manoeuvrings and dalliances propping up what is otherwise a simple tale of generational confrontation. Subplots come in prefabricated lumps only occasionally leavened by humour, and the one-liners, as clever as they are, begin to feel as unhinged as some of the performances (it’s a wonder Scacchi’s hair doesn’t shred,  given all her tugging).  This is a messy, padded work that might have benefited from a more aggressive edit itself.  

Until Jan 28, Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall St, Kirribilli, $49-58, 9929 0644, ensemble.com.au