Ngaire Dawn Fair in Stray. Image supplied by La Mama.
Dogs are often referred to as ‘man’s best friend’, but what happens when they don’t have that one constant ‘man’ to be best friends with? What if they never quite belong anywhere? Stray is a story told from the perspective of a dog who experiences many various ‘friends’ throughout his life, and who just wants to be part of a loving family.
Tiga (Matt Whitty) is a lovable Doberman puppy looking for a home. Stuck behind glass at Pets To Go, he longs to be bought and cared for by anyone who will take him. But when that person finally arrives, Tiga’s life is only temporarily carefree. After a series of sad and troubling events, the canine protagonist begins a long adventure through the streets and scenery of Melbourne suburbia, searching for a place to belong. From chasing birds in the garden and unwanted trips to the vet, to a confronting experience with the horror that is dog-baiting, Stray takes us through many events and places that are incredibly relatable to dog owners and some that would be considered horrifically distressing to any normal, humane person. Stray is both heart-warming and laugh-out-loud funny, and its fast-paced but simple storyline is refreshing and original.
Prior to watching this performance, I must admit I was somewhat unsure about how a (human) actor could possibly encompass the personality and liveliness of a canine. Not only is Tiga an excitable, over-the-top ball of fun, he also has moments of fear and heartache; traits which are difficult enough to portray in human-form, let alone as an animal character. However, within seconds of the opening scene, any doubts I possess disintegrate. Whitty is a remarkably believable dog. His innocence, his unrelenting energy and his eagerness to please is simply precious, and it is obvious that every audience member who has ever owned a pet dog is grinning and nodding in agreement at each naughty thing Tiga decides to do. Whether it is proposing after careful contemplation to poop on the carpet, or barking madly at every potential intruder that dares to walk past his house, Whitty is no longer a person in this performance; he is an adorable puppy, which is definitely a testament to his onstage abilities.
Whitty is not the only actor with a challenging role to play. Ngaire Dawn Fair and Trent Baker cannot be overlooked as impressive performers, as they play at least 14 characters apiece, swapping between each one with ease. No costume changes required, Fair and Baker display great skill in owning every one of their characters, great or small. Baker is boisterous and talented, and is a clear veteran of the stage, while Fair, despite some articulation issues at times, is strong, vivacious and a joy to watch. Kat Henry’s sharp direction ensures that each transition ran smoothly, and the use of the stage, including stairs and platforms, is extremely effective. The videography that plays several times during the performance is also a nice touch, adding a little more reality to the idea of a stray dog exploring the urban landscape of our city.
R. John’s Stray is a heart-warming, humorous and honest play that reveals the best and worst of our society through the eyes of a dog. Dogs are loving, naïve, brave and adventurous creatures, and Stray successfully expresses these qualities, along with a wonderfully written story, into a heartfelt and enjoyable little piece of theatre.
Rating: 3 stars out of 5
Stray
Written by R. Johns
Directed by Kat Henry
Performed by Matt Whitty, Ngaire Dawn Fair and Trent Baker
Production/Stage Manager: Kylie Russell
Set and Graphic Design: Peter Mumford
Sound Designer: Zack Lee
Lighting Designer: Linda Hum
Videographer: Brett Ludeman
La Mama Courthouse, Drummond St, Carlton
www.lamama.com.au
March 12 – March 23
