THEATRE: OLLIE AND THE MINOTAUR

The majority of our theatre experiences are dominated by realism and naturalism: so much so that we tend to take these theatrical forms for granted. Ollie and the Minotaur, a new production from young Adelaide ensemble floogle, challenges the fundamentals of naturalist theatre and extends on its range of possibilities, while retaining an almost flawless sense of reality.
The annual summer holiday of three young women looks set to be filled with dancing, gin and embarrasing stories. When some of these stories begin to go too far, however, the intricate web of their relations begins to unravel, and the three friends spiral towards chaos and far past the point of no return.
Sarah Brokensha, Wendy Bos and Adriana Bonaccurso are effortlessly masterful in the roles of these three women: an expertise won through two years of ensemble development. The audience is transported directly into a friend’s living room, and it quickly becomes hard not to take part.

The stage design is perfect for this, situating the audience literally around the edges of the living room, with the kitchen off to one side. ‘Everyday-speak’ dominates the script, and means that familiar motifs don’t irritate and deeper themes are allowed to subtly emerge. Theatre novices and afficionados will equally enjoy this brilliant production.

Until May 3. Belvoir Street Theatre, 25 Belvoir Street, Surry Hills. $10-29, 9699 3444 or www.belvoir.com.au