OBSERVER: The Mutineers
Another totally engaging performance by Monash Uni Student Theatre with their sold out season of The Mutineers, written by emerging playwright Tavisshi Dhawan who also shared Co-Director with Tiara Pires. A challenging piece of theatre meticulously handled by all cast and crew alike.
The writer explained why the title Mutineers? “It is one who speaks of rebellion, disobeys orders and particularly one who questions authority.”
And so at the prestigious Bellview Academy, the Class of 1995 are a group of students whose lives change while inside the walls of the Academy and who could readily be termed, Mutineers.
Central to the play is the journey of two scholarship students Veronica (Ronnie) Hughes a guarded young woman with a strong sense of justice played by Jada-Li Crossey who exuded talent at all times and Theodore (Ted) Lewis played by Lucas Lines, a young man adjusting to the complex social and sexual environment.
As a first year performer he showed great ability in delivering his mood changes and in particular his managing of the growing relationship with Russel Briggs played Lachlan Robertson.
The versatility of Lachlan Robertson was well to the fore, providing a strong contrast to James Finley played by Marcus Leder who commanded the stage at all times as well with his flirtations with Veronica (Ronnie) Hughes.
A noteworthy and skillfully played role was Bridget Hyde (he/she/they) as Kenneth Freeman, brother of Tammy Freeman played by Sophie Foster, who coupled with Elizabeth (Beth) Brooker played by Wynter Dallas.
An outsider to the group was the cameo role of Donald Gibson played by Dominic Hartono.
The past life of the Headmaster Mr Hallward played by Vedant Pithia, was laid bare by teacher Mr William Pierce played by Sam Pringle who just happened to be a student with Mr Hallward as the teacher some 20 years earlier.
The set was well devised with hinged panels transforming the school room into an outdoor setting, with boxes changing position for seating and desks.
Obviously, the script demanded much resetting of the boxes which took time in maintaining continuity.
In saying that, the work was quite extraordinary and should be performed again, perhaps in mainstream community theatre.
Review by Graeme McCoubrie