Herringbone

Written as a play in 1975, then adapted into a musical in 1982, Herringbone is a complex, absorbing work by North American playwright Tom Cone. It is rarely performed, not least because it has 11 characters to be played by one actor. But that’s exactly the kind of challenge that appeals to director/actor Jay James-Moody. James-Moody is also Artistic Director of the independent theatre company, Squabbalogic, whose stated mission is to produce obscure, off-kilter works. Herringbone certainly fits the brief.

“It’s about a young boy who’s sort of struggling with, essentially associative personality disorder. There’s some question as to whether he is actually possessed by the spirit of another person or whether this is something that he is just manifesting,” explains James-Moody. 

The story, set in the American deep south in the 1920s, centres on the young boy, Herringbone (so called because he wears a Herringbone suit) and his family, who hit hard by the Depression decide to take a road trip towards Hollywood. The things that happen on that journey and their impact on Herringbone are retold by various different characters including members of the Southern family, a vaudevillian showman with a British accent, a sinister New Yorker, and a Californian woman. 

“A lot of it’s vocal for me,” says James-Moody, explaining how he distinguishes each persona. “So the different characters should have very distinctive voices, accents, rhythms to their speech.” 

This is vital, as in some instances the characters are conversing with each other. 

The story that unfolds is one of trauma and psychological damage, yet the script is not all gloom.

“It is very, very funny, I will say that, but it is also very dark. So I’d say it’s hilariously disturbing or darkly comic,” explains James-Moody.

Until Feb 2. Kings Cross Theatre – Kings Cross Hotel, 244-248 William St, Kings Cross. $20-$49+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.squabbalogic.com.au

 

By Rita Bratovich.

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