THEATRE: A COUPLE OF POOR, POLISH-SPEAKING ROMANIANS

“A Romanian doesn’t bullshit. That’s our motto.” If only they’d have stayed Romanians. Sound confusing? Yes, for a little while, this script is but that is not what’s wrong with it. It’s about two travellers on a road trip home – minus the means to get there and not only is this play too long, it’s random in all the wrong places and baffling in its finale.  Thankfully, it’s performed here by a very talented and funny cast. Most notable are Neil Phipps and Kim Knuckey for their comedic timing and clearly mastered craftsmanship in their roles. Originally written in Polish by Polish playwright Dorota Maslowska, the hilarious, absurd and laughing-fit inducing first half surely could have been the basis for more of an adaptation, rather than a direct translation? I didn’t object to this play more than wish that it had either an interval, or an epilogue. Had it had an interval, I could have escaped before the second act (presuming I had some kind of insight that I would need to). Had it had an epilogue, it could have summated the second act instead of making us sit through it.

Until Aug 7, Newtown Theatre, cnr King & Bray Sts, Newtown, $22-30, 8507 3034, newtowntheatre.com.au