A Boon for Queensland Theatre to Share Fifty Years of Australian Theatre with the Esteemed Playwright and Literary Legend, David Williamson
David Williamson’s iconic Emerald City from 1987 launched Queensland Theatre’s momentous 50th Season in 2020. In celebration for the opening night, the audience were treated to meeting on stage the most produced Australian playwright in history; who, coincidently is also celebrating his half-century in Australian theatre!
Emerald city explores the competitive drive to be successful between two married protagonists Colin and Kate, when they move from Melbourne to Sydney, the Emerald city of Oz. Set in the 1980’s, a time of explicit consumerism and greed for money and fame, Williamson considers it to be just as contemporary now nearly 40 years on as it ever was. Having studied social psychology, Williamson considers that human nature doesn’t change and the rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne is just as strong as ever, as evidenced by the audience’s reaction to some of the derogatory lines about Australia’s capital cities. Even Brisbane gets a mention, described as Melbourne in the sun! The director Sam Strong considers Emerald City Williamson’s finest comedy; a complex, relatable relationship story which he was keen to resurrect on stage.
Emerald City explores the age-old moral dilemma of trading principles for financial success. The competitive nature is rife and tangible between the two main characters; Colin, a famous Australian screenwriter played by a Queensland Theatre staple, Jason Klarwein (QT’s Hedda, Sea Patrol) and publisher Kate, in Nadine Garner’s debut (The Dr Blake Mysteries, City Homicide). The pair had a synergistic on-stage relationship, and were very convincing as married rivals, desperate to trump each other when they move to Sydney to further their careers. Marg Downy (Kath and Kim, Fast Forward) also debuted as Colin’s rude desperate agent, and Megan Hind (Secret Bridesmaid’s Business) debuted as Helen, Mike’s vivacious and lascivious partner who lures the renowned screenwriter Colin, for a share of his fame.
Rhys Muldoon adeptly plays a shallow Mike, a conniving, aspiring businessman with no real talent, who will abuse and use any contact to make his first million. It is Muldoon’s second starring role in a Williamson play, after his fabulous success in Queensland Theatre’s 2018 award-winning Nearer the Gods. Ray Chong Nee played a minor, but important role as financier Malcolm (QT’s Hydra, Dance Academy), having a large presence on stage emanating power and privilege.
As in all of the recent Queensland Theatre productions, the revolving stage was used to full effect with a revolving glass cube as the set. It cleverly had some openings in the glass walls, allowing the actors to artfully flit between scenes with each revolution. The glass walls were also an allegory for the phrase that “those in glass houses should not throw stones”. A well considered moralistic theme of the play. Despite the innovative design, there were a few issues with the sound, as the volume from the microphones needed adjusting each time the actors were behind the glass wall and often cues were missed. The actors may also have been nervous, having the esteemed playwright in the audience, as there were quite a few stumbles over their lines.
After the show, David Williamson graciously took to the stage, noticeably towering above the cast to thank the actors and production team, and briefly admit that his inspiration emanated from his own personal experiences. He thanked his wife Kristen, who was in the audience, stating that he doesn’t “pull everything out of his imagination, as the marriage on stage tonight was not a million miles away from his own!” A surprising admission, considering both protagonist’s had extramarital flings! It was a fantastic boon for Queensland Theatre to share the joys of Australian theatre with such an esteemed playwright and literary legend.
Emerald City was well produced and a testament to the fact that common social and psychological struggles are timeless, exploring universal themes such as the Faustian pact: what are you willing to sacrifice to achieve your goals? We won’t know what David Williamson sacrificed to be celebrated as an iconic Australian playwright for fifty years, but it seems his audience think it was all worth it!
Playhouse QPAC,
February 8 to 29, 2020
Dr Gemma Regan
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Youth Review by Jade Regan Feldman:
Emerald City is a play by David Williamson from the 1980s, which is being performed at the QPAC by Queensland Theatre. The story follows a successful screenwriter and his wife, a publisher, as they move to Sydney; the emerald city, from Melbourne to elevate their careers. However, luck does not appear to be on their side.
This production uses a very minimal set and cast, allowing the script and acting to take centre stage. The set is a large glass box that remains on stage for the entirety of the performance, acting as a house, an office, or a party venue. The box was well utilised and it was clear, it also rotated to help bring the set to life. Set in the 80s in Australia there were lots of subtle elements to show the period, as well as the costumes, and transitional 80s music.
The playwright David Williamson made an appearance after the show which was exciting to see, as he explained that the story and characters were loosely based on his own life.
The play was interesting to watch and had comedic elements throughout, but those who enjoy more movement and excitement on stage and more of a story may not enjoy it as much. Also, those of a more recent generation may not identify with the play, as there has been a societal change from then to now, and while some things remain the same lots has changed, as opposed to those who lived through that era.