THEATRE: THE POWER OF YES

THEATRE: THE POWER OF YES

In 2004, British playwright David Hare wrote Stuff Happens, a look at the disastrous thinking behind the invasion of Iraq. In 2008, he turned his journalistic gaze to the hypocrisies of New Labour, with the darkly satirical Gethsemane. The Power of Yes completes a trilogy of plays about current events, this time with an examination of the recent financial crisis. The first striking departure is that he’s written himself into the action. As the play opens, Hare (played by Brian Lipson) has just hired a young economist (Amber McHahon) to explain to him the causes of the six trillion dollar meltdown. It’s essentially a play about a man researching a play about the causes of the GFC, given added currency by Hare’s valuable access to big bankers and financial insiders. Director Sam Strong’s production is assured and snappy; a strong cast, jazzy soundtrack and striking stage design make for a slick night at the theatre. And, as a theatrical crash course in sub prime mortgages, liquidity and derivatives, The Power of Yes hits its mark. However, for those already abreast with current events, there’ll be little revelation or fresh insight. There’s great drama to be wrought from the hubris that caused this crisis, but in his haste for timeliness Hare makes us feel none of it.

Until May 30, Belvoir St Upstairs, 25 Belvoir St, Surry Hills, $35-57, 9699 3444, belvoir.com.au

BY ALEX BODMAN

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