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Terra Nova
Presented by:
Starlight Theatre Co-Op
Directed by: Shane Rodwell
Venue:
Centre Stage Theatre, Spring Hill, Brisbane
Reviewer:
Kellie Scott
Date Reviewed:
Monday 15th June 2009
Terra Nova
is based upon the journals of Captain Robert Falcon Scott written
during his epic journey to the South Pole in 1910 - 1913.
An incredible story of strength and determination, Scott and his
team raced against Norwegian, Roald Amundsen.
Scott faced many tough decisions on his expedition, some of which
the lives of his team hung in the balance. This should be a highly
dramatic and intense theatre experience, but Starlight didn’t take
the story to its full potential.
Firstly, the set and lighting did not create an atmosphere of the
Antarctic. It looked more like a construction site. Drapes of
plastic, and not much else, were not a successful representation for
ice or snow. A beam of light that was sometimes shone from behind
was blinding and needed to be dimmed.
Performances were good on their own, but seemed lacking a clear
vision of the passion and greatness this story represents. The show
didn’t capture the intensity of what the experience would have been
like.
Star of the show Gary McEwen did seem to grasp the general persona
and motivation of Captain Robert Scott, but I wasn’t convinced he
emulated this in full depth.
Craig Wood portrayed the lighter personality of the group. He was
humorous and the most empathetic character; pleasantly optimistic at
most times.
Andrew George successfully pulled off the dark role of Roald
Amundsen, and made good transitions to a few others including the
waiter.
Nigel Riley picked up his performance in Act two after an ordinary
effort in Act one. I was impressed by his powerful performance when
his character, Taffy, suffered from delusion.
The loveable cynic Matthew Ross was enjoyable and a strong
character.
The voice of reason, Erza Winston was good, but his character didn’t
get a chance to show himself as more than simply the caring member
of the crew. We learn a bit about everyone eventually, but not much
attention is paid to the reason why Dr. Edward Wilson decided to
embark this voyage.
Katherine Parks as Kathleen, Scott’s wife, wasn’t a likeable
character. She was meant to represent an independent and strong
woman with a soft side. But instead I found her detached and hard to
relate to.
Congratulations to accent coaches James Dobinson and Amy Currie, the
accents were convincing.
The small amount of research I did on the Scott journey before
seeing the production led me to believe I was in for an emotional
rollercoaster, but I wasn’t taken to the heart of the Antarctic with
heroic men. I couldn’t get emotionally involved, and left feeling
like I’d just had a factual education on the Scott expedition and
nothing more.
Terra Nova is showing until the 27th of June.
Bookings on 1300 762 545 or
www.oztix.com.au.
Kellie Scott reviews
for her website
www.brisbanecritiques.com, which was launched in October of
2008. Her reviews can also sometimes be found at
www.absolutetheatre.com.au. Previously her critiques for music
and film have been published in The Catholic Leader and The
Satellite newspapers. She is currently studying Journalism at
university, and hopes to use this to develop her writing skills,
focusing on becoming a professional critic in the future. If you
would like to contact Kellie, please email
kellie@brisbanecritiques.com.
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