Six O'Clock Swill
13/02/2008 - 14/02/2008
Production Details
The Six O’clock Swill is a monthly series of one act plays held at Mighty Mighty on Cuba Street, Wellington, New Zealand.
February sees the Swill join in the Fringe 08 action and we take two of Neil LaBute’s plays from his Autobahn collection for a spin.
In Bench Seat, a guy brings his girl to lovers’ lookout and gets more than he bargained for.
In Merge, the twists and turns of a woman’s life spill out in front of us like switchback curves on a coastal highway. Will there be love, blood, or tears on the road when it’s all over?
Directed by: Walter McGinnis
And from New Zealand writer Thomas P. McGrath comes…
Tie and Mirror – When there’s too many loose ends to tie the knot, keep an eye on the caterer and make sure the best man can live up to the title. Don’t doubt yourself and don’t drink too much before-hand or you will need to go to the toilet.
A Man, A Plan, A Canal – Panama – George and Omar share black tea and discuss where to go next. There is only one break in the trip, the ‘Darien Gap’, and it is mostly swampland. One step backwards, two steps forward they say – although, people say funny things sometimes.
Directed by: Thomas P. McGrath
And our hilarious improvised saga MAGNUM: The Lost Episodes continues … with more pop culture plots, cutting edge improv, mayhem, mirth and moustaches!
So for only $8 ($5 if you have a Fringe Addict Card) you get five one act plays performed by some of Wellington’s finest talent – all in one of Wellington’s funkiest bars, Mighty Mighty!
So come on down, grab a pint and enjoy an evening of culture.
13th & 14th FEBRUARY
@ Mighty Mighty
Door Sales Only from 5:30pm – $8/$5
Show at 6pm
www.sixoclockswill.com
1hr 30 mins
Men in cars, in love and introspective
Review by Jackson Coe 15th Feb 2008
If, like me, you haven’t been along before, the Six O’Clock Swill is a showcase of short plays by artists from around town. This month’s swill, which coincides with the Fringe Festival, showcases two plays by Neil LaBute [not from these parts – ed], directed by Walter McGinnis, and two plays that are both written and directed by Thomas P. McGrath.
The two LaBute plays are set in a car. Written as comedies, each follows the theme of men enduring psychological torment from a female love interest. These two plays are carried by the fluidity and wit of the players, and judging by the hearty laughter the audience were thoroughly entertained.
McGrath’s world premiere plays are written similarly in that they, too, focus on the masculine subject, although where LaBute’s plays exhibit a fear of femininity, McGrath’s men are much more introspective and self-contained. A bit absurdist and persistently poignant, McGrath’s work was a pleasure to watch.
The night finished with a short improvisational sketch which was a great way to finish off the night. See ya there next month.
Copyright © in the review belongs to the reviewer
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