Review – Perplex

Review – Perplex
Image: Photo: Lisa Tomasetti

Philosophy, like theatre, can be so pretentious. Sipping on middle class champagne while pondering existential matters – such as, are we really here? It’s just begging for some comedic deconstruction. Sounds like a monologue approaching. No, it’s Sarah Giles’ direction of Marius Von Mayenberg’s, Perplex – and like a careless match into a box of fireworks – it goes off.

Perplex begins obviously enough. A young couple come home from holidays to some friends who have been house-sitting. Before too long characters have morphed, re-matched and careered off into a surreal world of freewheeling chaos inhabited by playful volcanoes, confused Nazi’s and a very smug elk. The set – a humble suburban living room – remains the only constant.

A philosophical play might sound boring but Perplex is an absurdist ‘hoot’ from beginning to end. Endlessly poking fun at itself, with lots of theatre jokes and mucking around with the fourth wall.

Reality – what a concept! (GW)

Until May 3, Sydney Theatre Company, The Wharf, Pier 4, Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay, $30-65, (02) 9250 1777, sydneytheatre.com.au

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