LACKS BITE |
 |
) by Douglas Maxwell directed by Bryan Johnston presented by re:Generate Theatre at The Basement Studio, Lower Greys Ave, Auckland From 13 Nov 2012 to 17 Nov 2012 [1 hr 15 mins, no interval] Reviewed by James Wenley, 14 Nov 2012 originally published in Theatre Scenes - Auckland Theatre Blog |
Mancub tells the familiar story of teenager's rite of passage from adolescence to manhood. Paul (Ryan Dulieu) traverses the terrain of teachers, parents, his first girlfriend, and school sport. There is one major complication: Paul begins to take on the characteristics of different animals, and eventually believes he can turn into animals at will.
Scottish playwright Douglas Maxwell's script debuted at the Soho Theatre in London in 2005, adapted from the book Flight of the Cassowary by John LeVert. It has been tooled towards an Auckland setting for its Basement production.*
Dulieu is onstage for the play's entirety; for this teenager, the play's universe certainly revolves around him. He's a charismatic guide to the inside of his troubled head, revealing a mix of neurosis, hormonal confusion, and a philosopher's mind, credibly delivered by Dulieu. [More]
_______________________________
For more production details, click on the title above. Go to Home page to see other Reviews, recent Comments and Forum postings (under Chat Back), and News.
See also reviews by:
Nik Smythe