REVIEW: Virgins & Cowboys

This is a play of movements; brief transitional scenes that incrementally reveal the truths and lies of each character as they reckon with their respective sexuality, friendship, goals and identity.

The action begins in a share house with three housemates. Sam (Keiran Law) is a uni drop out, un-aspiringly employed, with an expression dominated by an orange lumberjack mustache whose only ambition is to deflower either of two virgins he met online. Dale (George Lingard) is unassuming, straightforward, perhaps a little simple and naive. Kieren (James Deeth) is philosophical and spiritually impatient, pursuing one life change after another. The boys are having a casual roundtable discussion about Sam’s quest to conquer a virgin with the emerging wisdom being – do one, or the other, or both.

The contenders are 19-year old Lane (Penny Harpham), intense and a little scary; and Steph (Catrina Cornwall), inexplicably intact at 29, fitness obsessed and even-tempered.

There is no intermission but the play is clearly divided into two acts. The first act is mostly a pragmatic exposition in which the foibles of each character are revealed. It is quick paced, comical and sometimes abrasive.

A fade to near black indicates a transition and the actors dismantle the set in co-ordinated activity which is quite mesmerising to watch.

The second half takes place on a bare stage and is much more solemn and surreal. Time and life stories have moved forward, although it’s questionable whether anyone has actually advanced.

Morgan Rose’s script is a mixture of definitive and abstract, providing enough resolution for a satisfying theatre experience, but also enough vagueness for a hearty after show debate.

Until Dec 16. Stables Theatre, 10 Nimrod St, Kings Cross. $30-$38+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.griffintheatre.com.au

Reviewed by Rita Bratovich.