For many Catholics, devout \ `practising \ lapsed, this could be an emotive and evocative title for a show; let alone a clever play on words. Interesting how so many of our well used idiomatic sayings, especially the old ones, have their origins in religion. (Such as Gird Your Loins, A drop in a bucket or Skin of your teeth. The dictionary defines “a cardinal rule” as one which cannot be ignored. The blurb about the show asks: “Can we be silent and still be a good person?”
Three provocateurs, Rose Maher, Lead artist, Writer and Performer, Alison Bennet, Producer, Writer and Performer, and Jane Phegan, Performer and Devisor, ably enabled by Director, Ali Gordon and Producer Alex Travers as well as Andrea Espinoza, Chloe Stafford and Gail Priest, (ironically named), Designers of Production, Lighting and Sound, respectively, have creatively and wonderfully challenged us all to examine our souls in the light of, amongst other things, the historical misuse of power and influence by those with it over those without.
The show begins innocently enough with enactment of Baptism, early memories of church attendance and the innocence of youth restricted by the all-too-familiar do’s and don’ts of being at Mass. (“Shh!”) With splashes of humour and lashings of laughter, we see the early friendship with school chum Rory and jealousy of his ability to serve Mass, with all the fun that entails. After progression through more memories of being silenced in church and out we finally learn the awful truths, through innuendo, (ironically), that the good, (fictitious), Father Steven actually encouraged the innocent Rory to drink Altar Wine in the Sacristy, and that Rory finally took his own life.
Loved the music, loved the dance! Would have loved a scene where the cardinal rules: “But, your Emminence, you’re moving me to W.A.?” “It’s for your own good, Steven. The change will help you work through your issues. In the name of the Father, …”
As the wonderful Rose Maher eloquently puts it:”A fish is always the last one to know it’s wet” seemed to perfectly describe how she felt about herself and the congregation she grew up in. And “Can we stay silent and still be good people?”
Thought provoking indeed. Well done!
A Merrigong Theatre Company and Hurrah Hurrah co-production, Rose Maher’s THE CARDINAL RULES played the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre between 31 October and 2 November 2024.