Bronwyn Fullerton

25EIGHT

Richard Hilliar and Natalie Lopes in 25Eight

Valentino Musico has written a complex, provocative satire, 25Eight, which takes us into the high pressured world of corporate driven success. Musico left his job as a lawyer to take on a less consuming job, giving him more time to write plays, so this story has come from his personal experience.

It is a kind of science fiction romp into the imaginary world of the ‘United Synergies Corporation’, who split the body and soul of employees, doubling their output and salaries and forcing them to work 25 hours a day, 8 days a week.

The heavy corporate language throughout the play, (written for the “body” not the “soul”) dominates the story and I felt quite lost at times. Several real-time references to the real estate re-development of Sydney icons such as Centennial Park lightened the mood. The characters’ attempt to reclaim their souls was somewhat sporadic and unconvincing. Musico’s idea, however, is innovative and clever.

Ira Hal Seidenstein has directed Musico’s last three plays and brings movement and life to the actors, who worked well with their conceptual and abstract dialogue.

Protagonist Tony Reggio, the profit commander and hot chocolate enthusiast, is played with passion by Diego Retamales.

“CEO”, corporate bully and air guitar enthusiast, is played by David Attrill with eccentric gusto.

Mr Factotum, lapdog to CEO, is played with humour and energy by Richard Hilliar.

Natalie Lopes (also Assistant Director) gave us a strong and convincing character, Numera Jijinsky, who manages to outwit and topple the CEO.

The fragmented music design was put together well by Baby Animals’ guitarist Dave Leslie, together with ‘Quadrajet’ bassist Gino Musico. Leading Australian sculptor, Vince Vozzo painted a wonderful set, expressing the division of body and soul.

25Eight opened at the Tap Gallery on Tuesday 11th December and is playing until Saturday 22nd December, 2012.

© Bronwyn Fullerton

14th December, 2012

Tags: Sydney Theatre Reviews- 25Eight, Valentino Musico, Diego Retamules, David Attrill, Richard Hillair, Natalie Lopes, Dave Leslie, Gino Musico, Vince Vozzo, Sydney Arts Guide, Bronwyn Fullerton.

Published by Bronwyn Fullerton

Bronwyn Fullerton worked as an actress and singer for over 20 years after training with Hayes Gordon at The Ensemble Theatre Studios in Sydney in the 70s. She has worked for The Ensemble Theatre, Stables Theatre, Griffin Theatre Company, Sydney Opera House, Sydney Festival, Theatre-in-Education touring, Rocks Theatre at The Sailor’s Home, Balmain Loft, North Coast Theatre Co., Giniby Theatre Co., Bondi Pavilion Theatre and two years with the Marionette Theatre of Australia, including a tour from Alice Springs to Arnhem Land. As well as Film and Television (Chopper Squad) and Voice Overs, Bronwyn worked for the Gate Theatre Club in London and studied mime in Paris. She now teaches ESL English to foreign students and completed a Post-Grad in Film & Video at UTS in 2009/10.