Image: Peddling; Photograph by Jeff Busby.
Sometimes going to the theatre can be snore. What if the play stinks? If the actors can’t act? If I fall asleep? However MTC’s latest studio offering Peddling is a must see production. A one hander (with a drummer) it uses the audience’s intelligence to tell the story.
Described as a terse-versed one person play, an urban story told in jagged jolting freeform snap-rap, it is about the kids who get knocked down early and never get a hand up. Peddling, written by Harry Melling, is the story of a young offender scamming his way from door to door peddling his wares such as toilet rolls and sponges, everyday items at premium price.
The power of this pacey show is in the storytelling. Simple punchy verse allows the audience to use their own imagination as our nameless character known only as Boy opens his heart, revealing his pitiful life up to now. This was exquisite, raw painful, touching theatre on a small scale. Oftentimes the spectacle of the mainstage can overshadow the power of intimacy in the theatre and the Lawler at MTC was an ideal space to use.
It takes a lot to be still on stage. It’s a hard thing to restrain the young furtive mind and the equally lithe energetic body that wants to express itself all at once. Darcy Brown’s performance was gripping from start to finish.
Shakespeare wrote in Hamlet: ‘…do not saw the air
too much with your hand, thus, but use all gently;
for in the very torrent, tempest, and, as I may say,
the whirlwind of passion, you must acquire and beget
a temperance that may give it smoothness.’ – which could aptly describe Susie Dee’s restrained approach to her subtle and understated direction.
Brown’s physicality added to the tension of the piece as he stretched, reached, slid, climbed and clawed at himself. The repeated verses and rhymes elevated the fragility and vulnerability of our anti-hero without the need to be shouty and spitty. The audience’s audible gasps and empathetic sighs only exposed the deft storytelling ability and presence of this outstanding performance, underscoring the idea that we were witness to something very special. Bec Mathews on drums/percussion was a seamless addition to the production, providing transitions and punctuation points without being disruptive.
This was tough theatre, not a ‘nice night out’. But worth every minute. From the opening stanzas to the heartbreaking denouement it was ​70 relentless minutes of ‘please stop, please don’t end’ theatre. If ever you wanted to introduce your moody cynical teen to the theatre this is the show to do it. If you want to bring a Year 12 text to life, then this is the show to see. Peddling is enriching, soul crunching, yearning stuff where it is a privilege to be an audience member.
The only jarring point was the set design, part skate ramp/part something else; it felt a little oversized in the space but it activated the performer to make use of its interesting levels. But probably more could have been achieved with much less.
Peddling is a must see for any theatre lover interested in the simple power of storytelling.
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
Peddling
By Harry Melling
Directed by Susie Dee
Set & Costume Designer: Marg Horwell
Lighting Designer: Andy Turner
Composer/Sound Designer: Kelly Ryall
With Darcy Brown and Bec Matthews
Southbank Theatre, The Lawler
21 April-6 May 2016
Peddling will also tour regional Victoria and Tasmania from 9 – 27 May. See www.mtc.com.au for details.
