Give them another [by Matt Baker]
The Hobson Street Theatre Company has something significant on their hands: real people with real stories. Founded four and a half years ago, it began as an activity on offer at the mission, eventually developing into a legitimate theatre company, and its company is legitimately developing.
The central conflict for drama is there, a classic 80s kidult movie plot, but it is only taken so far, and the characters are only given so much to work with, resulting in an ultimately positive yet easy ending. Ironically, the real moments of truth are when the attempts to “act” are dropped, and the rawness of the actors is revealed, especially from Shadow and Haretutewake.
Without an apparent dramaturg or playwright the plot remains heavily diluted, and at times it’s difficult to find the onstage focus. When the focus is found, and the members certainly prove their ability to find it, the dialogue has a weighted simplicity. What HSTC need now is to trust their members more and delve deeper into what their significance holds for the rest of us.
Last Chance Café is presented by The Hobson Street Theatre Company and plays at The Herald until November 1. For details see Auckland Live.
Leave a Reply