Expressionism!

'Originals' is an annual project performed by Waterdale. 

It provides young people the unique opportunity to write, develop and produce their own plays and have them directed and performed by their peers. This is a valuable opportunity for those in the community who would otherwise have trouble making their opinions and values heard.

Waterdale celebrated its fifth year of 'Originals' by providing the winning play voted by the audience with $1000 to be shared between the writer, director and cast.  The successful play was 'Beasts', written by Josh Wellington and directed by Jackson Dwyer.

As a first time patron of SPX Waterdale Players I was eager to see what this young group of directors, writers and performers could provide to the final night audience.

'Expressionism' featured ten original Australian short plays exploring such diverse topics as: advice giving hairdressers, depressed mothers, a dead teddy bear, boys who find a fortune, arson, hibiscus body wash, a scotsman, a bus stop and flying boots.

Plays were titled: Shattered, Domestic Armchair, Diamond Dogs, Couch, Wrong from Write, House Warming, Happiness Foiled, Things we say to Strangers and Beasts.

'Expressionism' starred a group of enthusiastic young performers including: Ryan Perrott, Melinda Ruiz, Chelsea Heaney, Del Barwick, Liam McGuire, Rachel Woodgate, Christie Anthony, Lindsay Prichard, Christopher Weinberg, Jackson Dwyer, Rhys Purdey, Jackie Money, Ella Di Marco, Lachlan Montague, Cameron Stewart, Lucy Winkler, Rylan Perrott, Peter Knapic, Alex Night, Josh Wellington and Kristian Carrocci.

On the plus side all actors projected well and displayed a great deal of energy in performing such a diverse range of plays. Any activity that provides young people with the opportunity to express themselves can only be positive.

 Lighting and sets were simple but effective and scene changes were generally smooth and well managed.  However, I found many of the plays difficult to follow and was confused at times by the plots, construction and direction.  I would have liked to see more concentration on make-up, particularly young actors playing older ageing men with little or no make-up.

For me the best play of the night was 'Shattered', written by Jevon Scandrett and directed by Mardi Cuthbert. This well acted play centered around an urn of ashes of a boys teddy bear whose parents believed he had become too attached. I also found the play 'Beasts' quirky, left field and entertaining.

I would encourage Waterdale to continue to improve by providing young actors, writers and directors with experienced mentors to assist in perfecting their craft.

                                                            AND THE WINNER IS

Beasts! 

Congratulations! 

        Beasts writer Josh Wellington, director Jackson Dwyer and cast of the show after the winner was announced!

 Barry has performed in both musicals and plays for nearly thirty years as well as directed and written comedy reviews. Roles have included 'Captain Von Trapp' in the Sound of Music, 'Bill Sykes' in Oliver, 'Tito Morelli' in Lend me a Tenor, 'Nathan Detroit' in Guys and Dolls, 'Harold Nicholls' in The Full Monty and 'Lazar Wolf' in Fiddler on the Roof. Barry recently played the role of 'Jack O'Hagan' in Jack O'Hagan's Humdingers at Malvern and Lilydale Theatres. To be screened next year he played 'Nappy Ollington' in the TV movie ‘Fight to Glory.’ Barry has worked with many companies including Nova, Whitehorse, CLOC, Peridot, 1812 and Babirra.