“Angels With Dirty Faces” is a new Australian play written by Iresha Heath, Rachel Fitzpatrick and with input from the cast themselves. It is currently playing at the Fairfx Studio at the Victorian Arts Centre for a short run of six performances. The play concept is inspired by Tom Schulman’s “Dead Poet’s Society” and indeed, for those who have seen the movie, the themes of youth disillusionment, bullying and parental estangement resonate throughout the production much in the same manner as they did in the movie. This is both a strength and a weakness. There is no doubting the power of the thematic material, and it is the kind of production that at least every Year Nine student should see. But at the same time, I have a problem with sitting through a 2 1/2 hour piece of theatre where I know from the outset, what is going to happen. The producers and designers of the piece - 9 Minds - have successfully created an initial and sustained atmosphere of foreboding and darkness, but it doesn’t deliver the anticipated emotional wallop when you already know what the darkness looks like.
However, this is a relatively minor quibble in an otherwise outstanding production. The set is simply constructed and mostly effective apart from the perhaps unneccesary upper level which serves to distract from, rather than add to the overall effect. The overall production is delivered in a smooth, seamless style, enhanced by uncomplicated but effective lighting and a possibly slightly melodramatic soundscape.
The real highlight of this production is the quality of the acting from most of the company. The only negative note struck here was the role of the older brother played by Matt Green. His lack of focus and, dare I say it, familiarity with the script on the night of my viewing, was seriously distracting and worthy of at the very least, a slap on the wrist from director Morgan Dowsett.
With subject matter as serious as youth suicide, it is easy to drift into preachy, over-sentimentalisation. This, I am thankful to say, was not the case with this production. There are many standout performances from a team of committed young male (and one female) actors. In particular, Andre de Vanny as Toby delivers a powerhouse, multi-layered performance. His climactic scene in the second act can only be described as both searing and confronting. Hagan Matthews in the role of Jake is a wonderful foil for the overbearing “blokeyness” of the other characters and only in the final sequences where the emotional intensity is at its strongest did I find him lacking in power. Deniz Akdeniz is a revelation as Aran. His timing, poise and sensitivity were breathtaking and gave his fellow actors much to work with.
However, the standout performance of the night comes from ex-Scopus student Ben Schmideg in the difficult and abrasive role of Alex. This is quite simply an amazing, confronting, award-deserving portrayal of a truly tortured soul whose mission in life seems to be to share his misery and anger with the world. A tour-de-force performance from a young man who deserves any accolades available. I walked away with his performance in my mind for hours and days afterwards. Stunning.
Overall, this is not an easy night at the theatre. The subject matter is challenging and harrowing and, in my opinion, the second act is about 20 minutes too long. But if you are looking for theatre that will move you and simply refuses to allow you to be a passive observer, this is the production to see. I hope that 9 Minds are able to introduce this production to a wider audience as it is brave and rewarding theatre with some brilliant performances and many thought-provoking moments..
Scotty
