The world of the nursing home is not one often explored in theatre – least of all in a comedy. Playwright Evdokia Katahanas’ The Plot strives to put a stop to that. The show tackles head on the serious moral and ethical considerations of the nuts and bolts of not-for-profit-run aged care with a sardonic yet sensitive gaze.
“We are all familiar with the phrase that the mark of a civilisation is how we treat our most vulnerable,” says director Sophie Kelly, “and that is what this play is about.”
If this doesn’t necessarily sound like comedy material to you, Kelly suggests it may be because of the way we view the elderly as a whole. “I think we associate old age with death,” Kelly says, “…without realising that there is enormous relief, and joy and pleasure that comes with being with being old as well, I think.”
She adds that is it the characters, their “eccentricities and foibles” that Katahanas has lovingly crafted, which provides the backbones of the comedy, as well as the environment itself. “…Where you are working on the edge of life and death every day, it brings tragedy, but also the potential for laughter.” (SW)
Feb 14-Mar 1, Mantouridion Theatre, Building 36, 142 Addison Road, Marrickville, $25-35, try booking.com/GKGW or 0403 112 812
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