The Rabbits

This was fabulous! here's my Sydney Arts Guide review http://www.sydneyartsguide.com.au/the-rabbits-at-roslyn-packer-theatre/ This major highlight of the 2016 Sydney Festival is a must see. Based on the acclaimed picture book by John Marsden and Shaun Tan, and the winner of several Helpmann Awards, THE RABBITS, adapted and directed by John Sheedy with score by Kate Miller-Hendke and libretto by Lally Katz, is a combined production between Opera Australia and Barking Gecko Theatre Company. There are no exact references in the book to time and place, but the visual cues give the game away, with the play clearly set in Australia. THE RABBITS tells a parable of out of control colonisation seen through the eyes of the Indigenous population, the Marsupials, and the disastrous impact of the Rabbits- the colonising British. There were some stand-out scenes in including a disturbing ensemble number where the Rabbits get the Marsupials drunk, and a sombre march sequence where the Rabbits begin by destroying the landscape and end by abducting the children… Composer and performer Kate Miller-Heidke in collaboration with Iain Grandage has devised a score that blends late 20th-century classical music with many other musical strands and influences, including interesting percussive effects and music ranging from music hall to electronic. The small band on stage was excellent and interacted, at one point, with the rest of the cast. Gabriela Tylesova’s design was stunning, featuring a curved tower of Babel like centrepiece, in burnt ochre, representing the Marsupials home. The Marsupials wore orange- brown padded and striped costumes, in warm, earthy tones and with striped face paint. Of the five tremendous Marsupials, the three women– Hollie Andrew, Jessica Hitchcock and Lisa Maza – were strongest, with their heart rending rendition of Kitesong, mourning the loss of their children, which reflects the pain of then Stolen Generation- “Kitesong / Born of me / Now borne on the wind / Eternally”- as the tiny marsupial children in kites drift away… The designs for the invading Rabbits were marvellous. Their huge, rather awkward costumes made them look like a cross between evil rodents ( think Nutcracker) and bulging, overweight pelicans. The rabbits were encrusted with eccentric and colourful attention to detail such as the cogs on the Captain’s hat. Interesting use, at one point, is made of the light from underneath in the ‘throats’ of their costumes. Above the action is perched Miller-Heidke’s somewhat baroque looking Bird, in fluffy white and wearing an amazing wig, who acts as the show’s narrator and observer, replete with vocal thrills. The Bird remains rather aloof and detached from events until it becomes clear that she is also affected by the many changes taking place across the land. Oracle like, she issues dire predictions and warnings yet also insists on her inability to assist the Marsupials as the marauding Rabbits invade. Amongst the Rabbits songs, Kanen Breen’s sinister Scientist, sung in falsetto, is very impressive and scene stealing. His first appearance sees him pedalling a tricycle and collecting geckos with his giant tweezers and then depositing them in a jar. Robert Mitchell as an elegantly jacketed Gilbert and Sullivan like Captain, and Nicholas Jones as an effete ‘society’ Rabbit were also stand-outs. Kanen Breen’s sinister Scientist, sung in falsetto, is impressive and scene stealing. His first appearance sees him pedaling a tricycle and collecting geckos with his giant tweezers and then depositing them in a jar. THE RABBITS asks important questions- Is reconciliation possible? Can a common voice and understanding be found? Robert Mitchell as an elegantly jacketed, Gilbert and Sullivan like Captain, and Nicholas Jones as an effete ‘society’ Rabbit were also impressive, as were the ensemble in general. THE RABBITS asks important questions- Is reconciliation possible? Can a common voice and understanding be found? This was an enthralling and confronting production. Running time – just over an hour no interval. Opera Australia and Barking Gecko’s production of THE RABBITS, part of the Sydney Festival, is playing the Roslyn Packer Theatre until the 24th January. http://www.sydneyfestival.org.au/2016/the-rabbits