OBSERVER: Numa and Karl
An important event in queer history is brought to life in the premiere of Numa and Karl: Extraordinary Man That He Was, a bold new Australian play at Footscray’s Bluestone Church Arts Space.
Set in the mid-19th century in the Kingdom of Hanover, a German lawyer and writer, Karl Heinrich Ulrichs, decides to speak out in public for the rights of homosexuals. No easy decision to make, given the conservative nature of the time and place, especially as he struggles with his own homosexuality which, ultimately, he proudly claims and declares.
Written by Em Chandler the play consists of numerous short scenes involving a variety of different characters in different settings. The main focus is on Karl and Numa, the latter being a pseudonym that Ulrichs initially used to publish pamphlets advocating for homosexual rights; in the play, Numa acts as Ulrich’s conscience come confidant come advisor.
An ensemble of six actors perform with the key roles of Ulrich and Numa played by Sarah Hartnell and Nicklas J. Carr respectively. All six perform with confidence and poise, adeptly giving a sense of character through voice or gesture. Hartnell in particular gives Ulrichs a great sense of dignity under pressure. Still, occasionally the acoustics of the space makes the actors hard to hear at times.
Directed by Alanah Guiry, with dramaturgy by Noemie Huttner-Koros, the play is clearly well-researched. Scene changes are done smoothly which keeps the story moving at a fair pace and always engaging. Providing another layer of depth and emotion to the stage action is a solo cellist playing live. As the show’s musical director and composer we have Lore Burns to thank for this, as well as the beautiful cello playing of Claudia Kuner.
Recognised as probably the first gay person to come out publicly, Numa and Karl does Ulrichs proud by doing a marvellous job of honouring and celebrating the man’s bravery and achievements.
Venue: Bluestone Church Arts Space, 8A Hyde St, Footscray
Dates and times: Until September 13 at 7.30pm
Duration: 2 hours
Tickets: $35-45
Bookings: events.humanitix.com/numa-and-karl-extraordinary-man-that-he-was/tickets
Review by Peter Murphy