SMS Mess

MANY would relate to mistakenly sending a text message to someone, a theme explored in the world debut of SMS Mess by Chris Thomas at PICA on Wednesday, July 23.

Part of the annual Putting on an Act short-performance festival at the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts from July 22 to 26, Thomas’ script explores the trials and tribulations of text messaging.

Putting on an Act was originally devised in 1994 and developed as an opportunity for WA performers and writers to showcase short, sharp and challenging works, each restricted to 15 minutes.

Thomas took on the challenge, coming up with a script for a one-woman show that mixes comedy with a pointed look at the perils of modern technology.

“I decided to write for a woman because I always hear there aren’t enough parts for females in theatre while others have mentioned they struggle to find worthwhile monologues,” he said.

“The theme for SMS Mess came from observations of people who seemingly live and breathe their life via text messages, almost having entire relationships that way.

“We keep finding ways of isolating ourselves further from actually talking to people, whether it’s via e-mail, text messages, Facebook or MySpace.”

Thomas is no stranger to creative writing – in 2007, his script Reality Matters was the only Australian selection for Blacktown Theatre’s 4Shorts Plus season, his children’s play The Bonza Land of Oz premiered in Kalgoorlie on Australia Day and, more recently, he had a Doctor Who short story published.

He also has a 15-year background in local theatre, appearing on stage in 25 productions including The Sum of Us, Dracula, Frankenstein, Red Dwarf, Popcorn and Picasso At The Lapin Agile to name a few.

“When it came to casting the main role of Kate, I knew it needed an actress that could deliver plenty of sassy and feisty moments along with occasional flashes of insecurity,” Thomas said.

Julia Dalby has taken on the challenge of playing Kate in SMS Mess, drawing on a wealth of experience through diverse roles in Secret Bridesmaid’s Business, Amadeus, Chicago, Shift Swapping, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Much Ado About Nothing, Psycho Beach Party and award-winning performances in The Lesson and Two Women And A Chair.

“I was attracted to the script because it made me laugh and I strongly identified with Kate’s hatred of technology,” she said.

“It’s also a challenge because I’ve never done a one-woman show before or even a monologue this long.”

Phil Barnett, fresh from acting in and co-directing The Sum of Us at Old Mill Theatre, is assistant director while also providing technical support.

SMS Mess is one of several pieces being performed from 8pm, Wednesday, July 23, as part of Putting on an Act. Tickets are $18 ($15 concession) – bookings can be made on 9228 6300 or at www.pica.org.au.

Genres cover live art, contemporary dance, experimental music, text-based performance, physical theatre, audio/visual and hybrid works. A different program of performances is highlighted each night with a “best of” showcase on the final night.

Joining SMS Mess on the Wednesday night program are Urban Underground by Urban Moves, InHABIT by GETdownERS, Sharira – the body by Saseedaran K. Anandan, Ten Minute Lesson by Francis Robinson, We were Aliens by Kompany Kido, Repeat by Tom Penney, Fresh Scent by Harry Court and Tom Penney and Our State, Our Lord by Coby McQuiggin and Ricky Woodman.

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