Howie The Rookie
Image: Andrew Henry and Sean Hawkins
PHOTO: Kathy Luua
Two men, two chairs, two monologues that interweave a dark and complex story. Andrew Henry and Sean Hawkins bring Howie The Rookie to the stage in an exciting minimalist production.
The play has special significance for both men, since it was the first they produced with Red Line Productions and with Vanessa Wright as stage manager/producer. It was only 18 months ago, but Sean feels “a lot more details can be etched out the second time…things can always be improved.”
The plot centres around two unfortunate young men living outside Dublin whose messy underworld lives overlap within a tumultuous 48-hour period. Andrew describes it as a hunting story in which one man seeks vengeance on the other. As the play evolves the tale becomes more dense and intricate.
Against a grotesque backdrop, writer Mark O’Rowe has given the characters eloquent, poetic speech far beyond their social class. Sean says this gives the play a mystical, elevated quality. They have elected to keep it in it’s original setting with authentic Irish accents.
In most productions, the play is performed with each actor alone on stage in two separate acts but director Toby Schmitz has chosen to put both actors on stage together for the whole time. Andrew and Sean both agree this works really well as it allows them to react and contribute to each other’s monologues.
Notably, the director, set designer and the production were all nominated for Sydney Theatre awards. Commendably, both Andrew and Sean won Sydney Theatre awards for their performances. (RB)
May 17–Jun 11. Tue-Sat 7.30pm, Sun 5pm. Old Fitz Theatre, 129 Dowling Street (Cnr Cathedral Street), Woolloomooloo. $28-$38. Tickets & info: oldfitztheatre.com/howie
BY RITA BRATOVICH
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