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Vidya Rajan’s play LOOKING FOR ALIBRANDI is back in Sydney, this time at the Riverside theatre in Sydney’s multicultural heartland. Based on Melina Marchetta’s 1992 Young Adult novel, ‘Looking for Alibrandi’ it’s a coming-of-age classic, drawing a nostalgic buzz from theatregoers ready to be reacquainted with the trials and tribulations of protagonist Josie Alibrandi (played by Chanella Macri) who is in her final year at a prestigious Catholic high school. As a third generation Italian and raised by a single parent, Josie struggles with her identity and to find acceptance, negotiating family and cross-cultural expectations with friendships and first loves, all while unexpectedly meeting her father for the first time.
Crowding the stage with crates of tomatoes sets a playful, chaotic tone as three generations of Alibrandi women on the sauce making tradition of Tomato Day which neatly bookends the play. It’s a high energy start with rapid fire dialogue switching between English and Italian and simultaneously conveys love and frustration to expose the dysfunctional curse inflicted by generational trauma. Josie breaks the fourth wall, drawing the audience into her world, delivering sassy lines as she airs her grievances and divulges her desire for emancipation, capturing teen angst with honesty and vulnerability. Fantasy sequences add an extra layer of humour, giving the audience insight into the inner workings of Josie’s mind. The casting of Chanella Macri in the lead role gives a fresh face to this well-known tale which eviscerates the image of Pia Miranda in her iconic performance in the film version that became an Australian classic. Macri makes the beloved role her own, while retaining the qualities that make Josie so endearing.
Lucia Mastrantone’s talent is on full display as she performs dual roles that showcase her range as an actor. As Josie’s mother Christina, she radiates warmth and compassion towards her daughter while struggling as a middle-aged single mother endeavouring to recapture her own identity as her daughter moves closer to adulthood. As Josie’s best friend Sera, her delightful effervescence adds energy and maintains momentum, particularly in the tightly paced first half of the play.
There’s a tonal shift after the interval, enhanced by Katie Sfetkidis’ lighting design. Darker themes including suicide and domestic abuse emerge, directed with nuance and sensitivity by Stephen Nicolazzo. Jennifer Vuletic as Nonna provides retrospection and catharsis as secrets are revealed which reframe the past and offer insights into the realities of the post-war migrant experience while celebrating strength and resilience of the Alibrandi women.
The cast is rounded out by fine performances from love interests John Barton (played by Ashton Malcom, who also plays Josie’s nemesis Ivy) and Jacob Coote (Riley Warner) in addition to Josie’s father ((played by Chris Walker).
This is a spirited, enjoyable performance and on a cold winter’s night, it left my heart feeling a little warmer and a little more Italian.
LOOKING FOR ALIBRANDI is playing at the Riverside Theatre in Parramatta until 15 June 2025
