The Defence

Chris Dunstan's The Defence is an acerbic satire that leaves nothing but bone. Part of MKA's HYPRTXT festival the work is based on Strindberg's essay, The Defence Of A Fool. The patriarchal poster boy's essay is adapted to juxtapose and highlight current day gender politics, primarily within the creative community but also in society in general. The work starts slow with an unnecessarily loud droning soundtrack that leaves the audience's ears ringing and cursing sound designer Kirby Medway. The “play within a play” reveal is clichéd in its execution, eliciting eye-rolls rather than the intended surprise. Nevertheless, from these early indiscretions, the work recovers and recovers well. The interplay between all performers is nuanced and confronting. It's Catherine McNamara, however, who makes the show. McNamara moves effortlessly between the misogynistic Strindberg and the solitary female actor, “Catherine”, being continually manipulated and ostracised by the “bros club” she's being forced to work with. The play, needless to say, is viciously funny, especially for those audience members who have ever been a part of theatre production. The work's greatest strength, moreover, is its complete determination to shine the blazing light of hypocrisy on itself and its audience. The Defence, despite its jittery beginning, is great theatre and an important creative piece.

HYPRTXT Festival Hub, Tuxedo Cat to 28 Jun