The horse’s head in the bed is one of the iconic moments of The Godfather, capturing the intense, intimate levels of threat meted out by The Family. While it is a cinematic moment that resonates with many, it takes a special kind of person to watch it, wonder who would perform such an action and why, and then go and write a play about it. Happily for audiences of the Independent Theatre Festival 2015, Damon Lockwood is such a person and the results are gripping and hilarious.
Edmondo Fonzie has been trying to break into Hollywood, but his audition performance is a masterpiece of insecurity, nerves and awkward facial expressions. Returning to the East Coast to see his brother, Fillippo, he finds that Fil has developed new ambitions and is working his way up as an odd jobber in the world of organised crime. Ed is not convinced that he wants to join his brother on a yet-to-be-disclosed job for the night, but Fil is excited and determined that this will be his big break. When the phone call arrives, equine-fancier Fil can’t believe his ears – they really want him to kill an innocent horse? As they prepare themselves for the grim task, confessions flow from each brother, explaining their respective skills with scissors and axe, and revealing a fabulous inadvertent love triangle.
As Ed, Damon Lockwood demonstrates superb control of a range of facial expressions, rapid-fire consistent accent delivery and perfect comic timing. As Filippo, Sam Longley amplifies his formidable physical presence with show-long gurning that sets his character as much as his strong New York accent and persuasive patter. The dynamic between the two performers is electric, each taking the opportunity to slip in lines at the other’s expense, playing to the local crowd familiar with their other projects.
Tightly scripted, this tale cleverly describes two intertwined narrative arcs, following the separate ambitions of each brother with a subtle prologue and epilogue bringing Ed’s side of the story into play. The simple set and lighting is effective and tells its own tale of a play that has already travelled​ to various locations. Costuming is well-selected and the props are fantastic, but the combination of musical stings with Lockwood and Longley’s slow motion responses bring true belly laughs.
Much more than slapstick, deft physical comedy accompanies an intelligent script that explores an interesting concept with a light touch and assured performance. If you ever have the opportunity to see Horsehead, it is truly an offer you shouldn’t refuse.
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Horsehead
By Damon Lockwood
Presented by Perth Theatre Trust
Directed by Damon Lockwood
Stage and Costume Design: Cherie Hewson
Sound Design: Stephen J Hearne
Lighting Design and Lighting/Sound Operator: Andre Van Vulpen
Performed by Damon Lockwood and Sam Longley
Subiaco Arts Centre, Subiaco
3-6 June 2015
Part of the Independent Theatre Festival 2015
3 June – 4 July 2015
