The audience sat with trepidation as the directors of the show, Jennifer Jennings and Phillip McMahon, walked on the stage at the start and said, yes in fact something had gone wrong – which is usually the reason when directors appear before a show. Immediately this was followed up assuring us that it had also been fixed thanks to the wonderful Sydney theatre community who had come to the aid of the company THISISPOPBABY. The problem was that the container with all the sets had not arrived and it was looking like the show may have to be cancelled. The ideas of community & coming together to support each other are inherent themes of WAKE so it was a very moving introduction.
This is an exciting and exhilarating production with an ever changing mix of high energy acts, gentle songs, dancing, comedy and all things Irish. It was as if we were at one big party with a continual changes in tempo and mood. The opening is a haunting lyrical song as participants walk sedately onto the stage in black, some with umbrellas, as if attending a funeral in the rain. Suddenly we are thrust into a fast moving rap sequence which is replaced by a commentary on coming together to share and support, life and death. Hardly has this ended when a crazy drunk Irish dancer appears wanting to be seduced which morphs into a comedy burlesque skit.
And so the acts continue, flowing seamlessly as the highly talented performers tell stories, dance, fly above us in aerial manoeuvres, the band plays, heartfelt songs and poetry pour forth and there is even a touch of audience participation. Humour abounds among the idea of grieving and transformation from one realm to another. There is a madcap “English cousin” who is the DJ for the wake, a rather extraordinary act involving giant pink balloons and an amazing pole dancing exhibition.
The cast are an extremely committed, diverse, happy group comprised of dancers, musicians, singers, actors and circus artists. When the musicians are playing & singing we are transported to the green fields of Ireland.
As my companion said this is not a sit back and passively watch show. She did not know if it was her heart, hormones or stomach that engaged with this performance the most. Definitely a performance you will remember. Playing as part of the Sydney Festival at Carriageworks till January 25th. Grab a ticket and allow the interchanging scenes, costumes, and music transform you across the lifespan. Highly recommended.
Created by Jennifer Jennings, Phillip McMahon & Niall Sweene
Composer, Sound Designer & Musical Director – Alma Kelliher
Choreographer – Philip Connaughton
Set & Graphic Design by Niall Sweeney
With text by Carys D. Coburn
Band
Lead Vocals Adam Matthews
Accordion Darren Roche,
Keys, Vocals, Whistle Alma Kelliher,
Fiddle Lucia Mac Partlin,
Drums Ryan McClelland
Performers
Breakdance & MC Cristian Emmanuel Dirocie
Dancer / Marisha Ruth
Vocals & Duncan Disorderly Emer Dineen
Storyteller FELISPEAKS
Dancer and Vocals / Siobhán Jade O’Connor
Pole Artist Lisette Krol
Irish Dancer & Aerial/BalloonHeads Michael Roberson
Drunk Uncle/Seduced/BalloonHeads Philip Connaughton
Aerial Hoop & Infin-eight Jenny Tufts
