Photo by Simon Pynt
Writer Jub Clerc’s world premiere, The Fever and the Fret, returns us to naturalistic but soulful theatre that is a fitting homage to country. A performance that incites equal parts mournful reflection and punchy bursts of humour is a rare and warming experience – Fever is one such exceptional performance. Yirra Yaakin’s Artistic Director, Kyle J Morrison, directs a family’s tale of resilience, not unique in its struggles, but intimate in its portrayal.
The Fever and the Fret follows defining moments in the lives of Lizzy, Iggy and Ruby, as they hurdle from the challenges of their mining town and attempt to navigate a new and ever-changing world. Morrison presents a cast of strength and artistry, compelling in moments of both fond exchanges and bickering. Each character has been drawn precisely, yet it is the expert performances that burnish the grace of Aboriginal identity.
Kelton Pell’s Iggy showcases a master of physical comedy. Pell depicts the bravado of a young man, before fluidly receding into a diminishing shell that is juxtaposed with the set change. Pell delivers a poignant monologue in a jarring drunken state, highlighting pressing cultural issues. Clerc’s writing draws humour to bleak circumstances as Pell recalls running to the TAB, ‘down there that fast they named a horse after me’.
Yirra Yaakin showcases a new rising talent in the role of Izzy. Ebony McGuire illustrates a charming wide-eyed schoolgirl, matching the remarkable force of Irma Woods onstage as Ruby. Pell and McGuire’s performance as granddaughter and ‘granddan’ is heart warming and alchemical. The cast reflects family in all its rawness and heart, particularly stirring a reminder of the pull country holds to each.
The set opens as a dinky, but homely space, suffering from ochre invasions and transitions into a polished living room with our aging characters as they encounter sterile, modern living. Set and Costume Designer Matt McVeigh’s vision is decisively understated, placing authenticity to time and place.
The dialogue is playful but does not counter the play stretching for one hour and 50 minutes. An interval or shortened script would have been welcome, to allow certain elements appropriate time to resonate. The excellence of the cast and timely comedic skits maintains energy despite the duration, overall making The Fever and the Fret a powerful work of theatre; and a beautiful reminder of the resilience of the human heart.
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
The Fever and the Fret
By Jub Clerc
Presented by Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company
Director: Kyle J Morrison
Starring: Kelton Pell, Irma Woods, Ebony McGuire
Dramaturg: Stevie Rodgers
Set & Costume Designer: Matt McVeigh
Lighting Designer: Chloe Ogilvie
Sound Designer: Joe Lui
Stage Manager: Sue Fenty
Production Manager: Mike Nanning
Assistant Stage Manager: Lachlan Martin
Props: Jenny Poh
Subiaco Arts Centre
10 September – 24 September 2015
