Janet Terry

Review of JUTE Theatre Company

From booking my ticket with Trybooking to the end ...

From booking my ticket with Trybooking to the end of the play my enjoyment of the the experience was near seamless. What I did not like were the two intervals. Audiences do not mind watching the set being changed while present in my opinion: it heightens the experience of theatre, i.e. this is not real, this is art.
I liked the play very much for its complexity, the many theatrical devices and traditions incorporated. The fact that it was not a recycled Edwardian play from England was a major plus for me...and that Darwin and PNG were close enough to Cairns to make me feel it was about US and almost 'down home.'
I interacted with a couple who'd lived in PNG. The wife/partner was quick to say that, 'this story was not based on our life, we never mixed with the locals.' I had a thought bubble which said, 'Oh, yes, I'm sure you didn't. Nor had sex with them or have babies with them either.'
The acting was very strong: I especially enjoyed Russell and Old Neville who nearly brought me to tears when he said, 'you may have another father but I'm the only dad you'll ever have.' Congratulations JUTE.