David Williamson’s EMERALD CITY at the Ensemble Theatre. Pic Phil Erbacher
A newly refreshed and updated version of David Williamson’s much-loved play, EMERALD CITY, has opened at the Ensemble Theatre.It began its first successful run in 1987, a decade where money began to matter, where Australia won the America’s cup and Americans began to watch our movies. Our film industry was growing.
Mark Kilmurry’s direction gives the play humour and vibrancy. It is fast- paced, passionate and extremely enjoyable. The credit for the success of this production must go to the brilliant cast that Kilmurry has assembled. And credit to Williamson’s sharp dialogue and characters so driven by ambition that they abound with contradiction and deceit.
Williamson had relocated at the time from Melbourne to Sydney. The contrasts he uses still remain valid today. They used to say that Sydney commuters read the newspapers on public transport, while Melbournites read books.
The Melbourne couple, Colin (Tom O’Sullivan) and Kate (Rachel Gordon), are purists – serious and committed. Colin is a script writer who’s writing a new film script and Kate is a book editor for a leading publishing company. They have both been successful in their careers.
Colin has had a few writing set backs and meets the charismatic and persuasive Mike ( Matt Minto). Mike is financially and commercially driven and would love to swap his humble abode for a harbour view. He sees well connected Colin as the open door.
Colin is impressed by Mike’s big ideas and they team up as co-writers. Minto plays a very entertaining and funny character. Tom O’Sullivan and Rachel Gordon are great at the complexity of love vs ambition. They are so easy to watch.
Aisha Aidara is wonderful as Helen, Mike’s adoring and steadfast girlfriend, who is smarter than he realises.
Danielle Carter plays the confident and forthright producer, Elaine, who is prone to changing sides. She has dignity and class.
Rajan Velu plays the suave banker, Malcolm, who knows how to play and control the film and television industry.
Dan Potra has done a splendid job of keeping the set design simple (a clean 80s look), with video projections behind on a wide screen highlighting the shiny Sydney landscape. He also designed the costumes well.
Morgan Moroney has brought great lighting to the stage, while Madeleine Picard enhances the play with her sound design.
EMERALD CITY is a delight to watch. The action is larger than life, the dialogue amusing. A great night of theatre, the play runs at the Ensemble Theatre until the 23rd August, 2025.
