Lost for Words

‘Lost for Words’ was a Stirling Players Youth (SPY) group project that ran for two nights, 8^th and 9^th June at the Stirling Theatre, Morris Place, Innaloo. Stretching the young actors’ skills to the limit, this team has become one of WA’s best youth acting groups.

 ‘Much Ado in the Classroom’ was a modern interpretation of Shakespeare’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ adapted and directed by Harriet Morley. 

            This brief piece gave the youngest members a chance to show their acting skills and perform a short dance routine. Sadly, there were one or two very nervous performers, but everyone has to start somewhere, so do not lose heart. A big help in overcoming nerves is to rehearse well and often.

             The performers were Rebecca Bentley, Teale Harrison, Elyse Simich, Alexandria Veleva, Bianca Stewart, Sienna Robertson-Zurzolo and Antonia Veleva. Harriet had developed a rap routine that the youngsters really enjoyed and gave a light start to the evening.

         Dance One ‘The Three Witches’, featuring Amanda Lee, Harriet Morley and Rebecca Bentley as the witches, meet Macbeth (Sean Hontomin) on the blasted heath. The witches are shown as ‘bonded’ as they lie in layers on top of each other, they sway and drift apart before weaving their spells.

         Dance Two ‘Lady Macbeth’s Manipulation’ starts with Macbeth walking and dancing in unison with his friends King Duncan and Banquo (Marc Ricov and Benn Hislop), before Lady Macbeth (Leah Bennet) get her desire to see her husband as future King.

         Dance Three ‘Macbeth’s Obsession’ Macbeth (Bree Bannister) is now obsessed with power goes on a dramatic and action-filled, killing spree, butchering his old colleagues (Brenn Hislop, Amanda Lee).

         Dance Four ‘Lady Macbeth’s Cleansing’ the famous hand washing scene, featuring Bree Bannister, Georgia Folkes-Taylor, Sienna Robertson and Elyse Simich. The confusion in her mind was well-portrayed by the dancers.

         Dance Five ‘Macbeth re-invigorated’ involved the whole Ensemble in this powerful conclusion.

            The choreography and dancing was of an extremely high standard. The genres were mixed as ballet melded with contemporary movement. Leah’s direction was exciting and retained the drama of the original play.

‘Speechless’ is a 30-minute retake of ‘Romeo and Juliet’, developed as piece without words by the director, Josh ‘the Pirate’ Walker. Josh has just carried out his own Romeo and Juliet love theme by asking SPY trainer / director, Keren Schlink, to be his fiancée, many congratulations – great couple.

          From the beginning, in an almost ‘Westside Story’ approach, the families bait each other, with Mercurio (Josh Lang), Tybalt (Nicola Chapman) and Benvolio (Kylie Webb) setting the pace. We rapidly progress through the whole Shakespearean legend as the friends of Romeo (Matt Randall) try to get him ‘fixed up’ with various local girls. After refusing Viola (Tahlia McQuade) Romeo spots the beautiful Juliet (Kellen Darwall) and decides to steal her from Paris (Shannon Berry). In an attempt to hide the love affair from the Capulet parents (Brendan Ellis, Sarah Cubbage) the inevitable happens.

          Despite the lack of dialogue the richness of the story, the excitement of the rivalry and the wonderful love affair still came through strongly. Very well directed, with fast action and good chemistry.

These innovative young directors have devised these short pieces using movement, dance and comedy to provide a great night's entertainment. The choice of music to complement the action was inspired, and Caitlin Pearce provided a very effective and complex lighting design. So often for youth performances or short pieces, the directors and techs think that simple is good enough, here the whole team put in their ‘all’ to give the evening an air of professionalism.

At $5 per person, great value. A most enjoyable trilogy of talent, music and dance. Congratulations.