REVIEW: Monopoly

Monopoly might not normally be considered a spectator sport, but Steven Hopley’s new play configured around the immortal board game has all the thrills and tension of a Wimbledon final.

Five young adults gather one evening for a friendly game of Monopoly. The get together is a regular thing for four members of the group, but on this night a work colleague of the host, Simon (Jasper Garner Gore) joins the group and upsets the established rituals and dynamics with his abrasive, unapologetically arrogant personality. It’s clear that until now, the group has conformed to unspoken rules regarding how they communicate and behave and these apply as much to the game as to their personal interactions. Simon challenges those norms on all levels, elevating the game stakes to real-world consequences and thus agitating underlying insecurities, motivations, and attitudes in the others. 

The game is played in real time, each tossing the dice and moving their respective tokens. Though we can’t actually see the board, those familiar with Monopoly will instantly recognise the spoken references to sections of the board, cards and methods of play. Most will also relate to the unspoken understanding friends and family often have about who buys which properties and overall civility. However, while a lot of the humour is based on this winking familiarity, you don’t need to know the game to appreciate the play. It’s fast, well-written and funny with relatable characters. Alison Lee Rubie is the diplomatic, pragmatic host, Angela; Danen Young is Emilio, a freelance photographer and aspiring Ferrari owner; Benjamin Kuryo is nice guy, Adam; and Emilia Stubbs Grigoriou is emotionally complex, high principled Jennifer. The ensemble works extremely well together and are near faultless with sharp, rapidly delivered dialogue.

On a bare black stage with minimal props, the focus is entirely on the characters and the game and it is riveting. 

Until Apr 25. El Rocco, 154 Brougham St, Kings Cross. $30+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.ticketebo.com.au

Reviewed by Rita Bratovich

You May Also Like

Comments are closed.