Sisters Grimm present La Traviata
Image: Ash Flanders and Zindzi Okenyo in La Traviata. Photo by Patrick Boland.
Sisters Grimm present a splendidly brilliant, funny and emotional version of Verdi’s opera, La Traviata. If you are expecting orchestral accompaniment then you may be disappointed. However, this rendition is a powerful, and incredibly intense, philosophical commentary inspired by the state of the arts funding situation in Australia.
Performer and writer Ash Flanders and Director Declan Greene created the commanding text in this production, and draw from timeless issues which make this production entirely reflexive in its orientation, bringing in the audience to participate with the performers and experience this work as if it was their own making.
La Traviata is beautifully coloured with performance art, drag, song and dance. Emma Maye Gibson, Michael Lewis, Ash Flanders and Zinzi Okenyo all gave this work a great deal of gusto and flair. Hats off to Lighting Designer Matthew Marshall and Set and Costume Designer Marg Howell, who illuminated the camp and quirky stage with colour and humour.
Sydney should take note of this brave and talented group who have dared to challenge the powers that be and question the value of art, the value of idealism–and what, therefore, determines our value and worth as human beings in a capitalist world? (PU)
Until September 20. Belvoir Street Theatre, 18 Belvoir Street, Surry Hills. $38-$48. Tickets & info: belvoir.com.au or 02 9699 3444
BY PETER URQUHART
