Fri, 14 Aug 2009 12:00a.m.
By Charlotte Purdy
Holding the Man is a moving story about the relationship of Timothy Conigrave and John Caleo and their love that lasted 15 years until death do them part. The story paints an entertaining, poignant and humorous depiction of life, love and loss pinned against the landscape of gay 80’s and 90’s in Sydney.
I had high expectations of this play because it’s won multiple awards in Australia and has come from four sell out seasons (in one year) in Sydney and I’m pleased to say it thoroughly exceeded my expectations.
It’s a play of two halves. The first half is amusing, engaging and frank with many laugh out loud moments. The second half is compelling and painful especially when you realise there are many in the audience whose stories would be so similar given that the Aids epidemic was not that long ago. Because the story is true, I felt as though I was peering through a porthole into two people’s intimate lives, but we are welcome voyeurs to an honest portrayal of their beautiful yet tragic relationship. Although some scenes are a little explicit, they are also riotously funny and not likely to push anyone out of their comfort zones.
This play is expertly executed in every way from Shane Bosher’s direction to the costume to the set and lighting design. The play is brilliantly acted by all cast, especially the two leads Dan Musgrove and Charlie McDermott. It was great to see a small cast playing numerous mixed roles; they certainly delivered keeping the intensity up for 2 hours, finishing with an emotionally charged climax. Every time new actor Matt Whelan arrived on stage I couldn’t help but smile, his characterisation was superb.
My only criticism was that the play runs for over two hours and is perhaps twenty mins too long; having said that I wouldn’t like to figure out what could be chopped.
Holding the Man is the play adaption by Tommy Murphy of the best selling memoir by Australian writer Timothy Conigrave.
Playing: Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre, Aug 6th - 29th Aug
Directed by Shane Bosher
Set by Rachel Walker
Costume by Elizabeth Whiting
Lighting by Jeremy Fern
Sound Design by Andrew McMillan
Actors
Dan Musgrove
Charlie McDermott
Matt Whelan
Alison Bruce
Michelle Blundell
Andrew Laing
www.silotheatre.co.nz
