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Monkey & The Hung Well Monks Company: University of Western Australia Drama Society Venue:
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Sexy monkey
The live band's occasional interjections of song, accompanied by the illusive narrator's frequent insertions of orthodox (and sometimes ridiculous) Buddhist teachings, makes for an innovative and compelling show. Thus, the production engages in a variety of mediums to communicate a fairly simple narrative to the audience. And the audience was definitely responsive. Particularly to the well-rehearsed and convincing fighting scenes. >>>
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The highly satirical play utilizes the conventions of Magic Realism effectively to transport the very willing audience to the uncanny landscape of evil ex-monks and drunken Buddhists. The dense and rich comedic infrastructure of the play features many shades of humour, from slapstick to wit to irony. The script, laced with sexual innuendo, is well written and well staged. And the product is a fantastic spectacle. The genius script is only equalled by the talents of the actors. The characterisation is excruciatingly accurate and creates an ironic reinvention of the Monkey series and its eternal lessons. And as WA writer and director Zac Gillam remarks in his director's note: "If Monkey teaches us anything, it is the value of not taking oneself too seriously." Imogen Edeson Send us your feedback on this article or anything else in The Blurb |
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Monkey
and the Hung Well Monks, which was recently performed at the University
of WA, is a clever and amusing incarnation of Monkey, complete with the
intricate absurdities that gave the popular television series its cult
following. The aesthetically rich and entertaining production successfully
propelled the audience into the surreal and magical world of Monkey and
his sidekicks.