The Wild Duck
This adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s is stunning in its simplicity. A bare set with only the fewest of handheld props throughout the play force the audiences’ attention to the actors who are in turn forced to act. And act they do.
Capturing the essence of their characters with subtlety and driven by sharp, powerful and often witty dialogue the small cast portray two families whose lives are more intertwined than they realised.
The play builds steadily to a powerful and deeply moving climax.
The duck, unlike its more famous Commonwealth Games opening ceremony cousin, is more than a mere publicity devise. It represents the history and connectedness of the two families and is a living allegory for Eloise Mignon’s character, Hedvig. The duck was relaxed and appeared confident in the limelight hitting all of its marks. It did enjoy its moment in the water swimming and, well, duck-diving it the tank. Not once did it even appear as though it wanted to flap, or peck, or fly, or defecate. Not once! Much to the disappointment of this audience member.
Lets be honest, just like a car accident that we dearly wish would never happen, we are all quietly excited about the idea, the possibility of seeing it happen before our eyes – one where no one (person or duck) gets hurt.
What a pleasure to watch Eloise Mignon, perhaps best known for her role as Bridget Parker on Neighbours as she revealed a depth of character and emotion which was never called for on the set of Australia’s longest running soap opera. Playing a 16 year old girl she is cheeky, opinionated, emotional, immature, naive and yet wise beyond her years. Annoying – just like a teenager should be.
Audiences are sure to laugh and cry throughout this Belvoir Production. Playing at Melbourne’s Malthouse Theatre where everyone is assured a seat with a great view of the stage.
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