THEATRE: CATHERINE OF AVIGNON
Image: A thought provoking and witty piece about humanity's ongoing quest for truth and better understanding of itself. Beautifully written and thoroughly engaging, the story of Catherine is strongly delivered by a solid ensemble of talented actors.
P.G. Gilchrist’s newest work Catherine of Avignon is a thought-provoking piece on the importance of truth and purity of spirit in a world gone mad. P.G’s vehicle for his idealistic message is real life historical figure, Catherine Benicassa. A well-regarded 14th century ‘mystic’ who had religious ‘visions’, the play follows her journey to the court of Pope Gregory XI in 1347, where she successfully persuaded the papacy to return to Rome. The consensus was that this would unite the warring Italian peninsula.
Though the set is almost non-existent and the costuming budget obviously tight, I am nonetheless transported back in time via the powerful performances of the entire ensemble. Inquiring and at times wickedly funny, I laugh out loud at many of the best lines expertly timed by Melissa Jones, who plays the wonderfully wanton Marguertie. Anne Martin is also a standout, giving a impassioned and inspiring performance as the headstrong religious zealot/political activist Catherine.
Written by director P.G Gilchrist, the script is the real star. Both poetic and whimsical, Gilchrist seamlessly weaves olde English and 21st century language to jolt us between yesterday and today at will. The problems and the turmoil of the 14th century are clearly still relevant to today’s crazy world.
Until June 21. TAP Gallery, 278 Palmer Street, Darlinghurst. $20-25 (Cheap Tuesdays, min $12), subtlenuance.com
