Australians love to laugh at themselves in a witty, humorous way which is initially surprising to a newcomer into this society. That is probably why we migrants quickly become proud to be Australian. Where else would self-criticism would be expressed in such a clever and endearing way? From The Loaded Dog onwards, the Aussies have the ability to bring the most serious subjects into twisted comedies and while doing so invariably poke fun at themselves and do it in a way that is uniquely Australian.
The play “We’re All Gonna Die” has humour; in the daily life of a household, in showing the inefficacy and corruptness of the politician, in the accurate observation of the student psyche but maybe not in the desperation of losing a family member… and on top of all these an approaching environmental disaster only the insightful are aware of.
The reactions of politicians and the powers that be to an environmental disaster happening in real time, trying to cover it up is done with clever dialogues which gives us that quirky, unique, “poking fun at themselves” sort of Australian sense of comedy .
All these strands were woven together with a distinctly dry humour, where tragedy and farce danced side by side. The script shimmered with irreverence, yet hid moments of quiet profundity—one moment the audience was doubled over laughing at a burnt sausage or a botched political speech, and the next, caught breathless by an aching silence as a character revealed their grief or dread about the world’s fate. The looming environmental threat served as both a literal and metaphorical storm cloud, casting its shadow over the ordinary dramas of the backyard and the kitchen table, reminding everyone that even in the most familiar corners of life, the extraordinary can intrude.
The décor, staging, dramaturgy were modern. The use of small props and an overhead projector to represent events which would otherwise be very difficult and expensive on stage was cleverly done and enabled the audience to use their brains for a change. I loved the blow-up environmental monster as did my friend who came with me.
Actors, especially those who do various roles at the same time and have to change not only outfits but also characters and postures, so quickly for example Anthony Standish, were amazing.
Written by Maddie Nixon, directed by David Morton (Dead Puppet Society) and Courtney Stewart (La Boite Theatre), with original music by Dean Hanson (Ball Park Music).
Overall, a play worth seeing. On at La Boite until 16th August.
Book at: https://laboite.com.au/shows/were-all-gonna-die
Elvan Turak
