REVIEW: Sex Object
Image: Charlie Falkner, Grace Victoria, Charlotte Devenport & Andrew Hearle.
Photo: Omnes Photography
Ben and Veronica (Ron) are sitting in her late father’s house, awaiting the arrival of her brother Gustav.
It seems Ron’s father was a bit of a pervert, his house adorned with sexualised pieces of art, objects and sex toys.
Ben is like your typically Aussie guy, blonde, a little scruffy, with all of the mannerism of an Australian male. We learn that despite a soft porn addiction and masturbation habit Ben’s is unable to have sex with girlfriend Ron who is seeking a more intense spiritual and emotional connection from him.
This is a play about modern day sexuality, and reflects upon some interesting themes. Despite western cultures obsession with sexuality, including overtly sexualised media and widespread availability of porn, but this has not necessarily translated into a culture of openness around sexuality.
Written by up and coming playwright Charlie Falkner who also plays the lead Ben, this is a brave role to play especially considering he admitted in previous interviews that there was a part of him in his character. He’s playing a character who has sexual inadequacies, in a culture that privileges masculinity. Andrew Hearle’s character Gustav is much more the alpha male in comparison, but his characters sexuality is also questioned towards the end.
An enjoyable production, audiences will be able to relate to these often not talked about themes of modern day sexuality and the dysfunction that goes along with it.
Until Apr 29, 8pm Wed- Sat, 5pm Sun. The Depot Theatre, 142 Addison Road, Marrickville. $22-$32.Tickets & Info: http://thedepottheatre.com/
Review by Vanessa Powell.
